Ak Bars Kazan sweeps Salavat Yulaev Ufa in KHL first round

Ak Bars Survive a Scare in Game 4

After dropping the first game of their opening-round series against Salavat Yulaev Ufa, Ak Bars Kazan stormed back to win the next three games and take the series. The series sweep is a major upset, as Salavat Yulaev Ufa was the top seed in the Eastern Conference during the regular season.

Ak Bars Kazan goaltender Timur Bilyalov was the hero of the series, posting a .956 save percentage and a 1.67 goals-against average. He was particularly impressive in Game 4, making 35 saves to preserve the shutout and clinch the series.

Ak Bars Kazan Advances to the Second Round

With the series win, Ak Bars Kazan advances to the second round of the playoffs, where they will face Avangard Omsk. Avangard Omsk is the defending KHL champion, so Ak Bars Kazan will have their work cut out for them.

However, Ak Bars Kazan has shown that they are a team to be reckoned with. They have a lot of talent, and they are playing with a lot of confidence. If they can continue to play at a high level, they have a chance to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Salavat Yulaev Ufa Disappointed by Early Exit

Salavat Yulaev Ufa is undoubtedly disappointed by their early exit from the playoffs. They were the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and they had high hopes of making a deep run into the playoffs.

However, they were unable to match the intensity of Ak Bars Kazan, and they ultimately paid the price. Salavat Yulaev Ufa will now have to regroup and prepare for next season.