Former KHL player Nikita Shchitov has shared his thoughts on the first game of the Gagarin Cup final between Lokomotiv and Ak Bars (3-1), highlighting Alexander Radulov’s standout performance.
“The game was influenced by the fact that Lokomotiv had a shorter break after the semifinal than Ak Bars. But both teams were strong and evenly matched. The turning point was Lokomotiv’s two quick goals,” Shchitov said.
He specifically praised Alexander Radulov: “Look at the goal he scored, battling on the crease against a much bigger player [Stepan] Falkovsky. That’s where his character and passion for winning shine through. The entire Lokomotiv team was desperate to win, but Ak Bars also had their chances. I think we’re in for an exciting series. The coaching staffs will analyze everything, and we’ll see what happens in the next game.”
Asked about Radulov’s continued success at age 40, Shchitov noted: “It comes down to our school of training and his personality. Plus, he’s avoided serious injuries. He simply plays great hockey. I remember when he returned from the NHL, some skeptics said he wouldn’t help here. But I said Radulov would play well, and he’s proving it. His level of preparation and motivation is extremely high. By nature, he’s a true leader who never backs down. Radulov is a huge credit to himself, very professional in his preparation and body care. He sets an example for everyone. Right now, he’s the face of the league.”
Regarding goalie Daniil Isaev’s performance after a tough series against Avangard, Shchitov commented: “He played above all praise today. He was focused and performed well. He’s a high-level goalie with playoff experience, and he showed it.”
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