Nesterov, Nikita

KHL Playoffs (Russia):

Eastern Conference Finals
(1)Kazan 1 vs. (3)Chelyabinsk 2
Chelyabinsk Wins the Series 4-3
Nikita Nesterov, Chelyabinsk, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM, 0 SOG
Playoff totals: 13 GP, 0-3-3, -1, 6 PIM
Regular season totals (KHL): 35 GP, 0-1-1, +6, 14 PIM
Regular season totals (MHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM

Andrei Kostitsyn's goal with just 29 seconds left in regulation advanced Chelyabinsk to the Gagarin Cup Finals by virtue of their 2-1, Game Seven win over Kazan. Kostitsyn also had a helper in the match. The club completed a comeback from a 3-1 hole in the series against the top seed in the conference. Lightning prospect Nikita Nesterov played a sparing 4:08 in the match for Traktor.

Game One of the Gagarin Cup Finals is set for Sunday between Chelyabinsk and Western Conference Champions Dynamo Moscow.

KHL Playoffs (Russia):

Eastern Conference Finals
(3)Chelyabinsk 3 vs. (1)Kazan 2
Series Tied at 3-3
Nikita Nesterov, Chelyabinsk, 0-0-0, -1, 0 PIM, 1 SOG
Playoff totals: 12 GP, 0-3-3, -1, 6 PIM
Regular season totals (KHL): 35 GP, 0-1-1, +6, 14 PIM
Regular season totals (MHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM

Ex-NHLer Jan Bulis scored his 8th goal of the playoffs to lead Traktor Chelyabinsk to a 3-2 Game Six win over Kazan. That sets the stage for a Game Sever, winner-take-all matchup for the right to advance to the Gagarin Cup Finals. Lightning prospect Nikita Nesterov played 9:20 in the match for Traktor. Ex-NHLer Stan Chistov also had a helper for Traktor. Game Seven is Thursday.

The winner will face Western Conference Champion Dynamo Moscow, who advanced to the Finals by virtue of a 5-1 Game Six win over SKA St. Petersburg. In the match, former Lightning draft pick Marek Kvapil recorded a hat trick for Dynamo.

KHL Playoffs (Russia):

Eastern Conference Finals
(1)Kazan 1 vs. (3)Chelyabinsk 2 (OT)
Kazan Leads the Series 3-2
Nikita Nesterov, Chelyabinsk, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM, 2 SOG
Playoff totals: 11 GP, 0-3-3, E, 6 PIM
Regular season totals (KHL): 35 GP, 0-1-1, +6, 14 PIM
Regular season totals (MHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM

Potential top-10 pick Valery Nichushkin assisted on Petri Kontiola's goal late in Overtime to lift Chelyabinsk to a 2-1 Game Five victory over Kazan. Traktor staves off elimination for the time being. Nikita Nesterov played 14:39 in the match. Ex-NHLer Jan Bulis continued his strong series by scoring Traktor's other goal.

KHL Playoffs (Russia):

Eastern Conference Finals
(3)Chelyabinsk 5 vs. (1)Kazan 6 (OT)
Kazan Leads the Series 3-1
Nikita Nesterov, Chelyabinsk, 0-1-1, E, 0 PIM, 1 SOG
Playoff totals: 10 GP, 0-3-3, E, 6 PIM
Regular season totals (KHL): 35 GP, 0-1-1, +6, 14 PIM
Regular season totals (MHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM

Ex-NHLer Alexei Morozov had a pair of goals for Kazan in their Game Four overtime victory over Traktor Chelyabinsk to stake his club to a commanding 3-1 series lead. Traktor defenseman Nikita Nesterov was again pressed into duty as a forward, going 27% on 11 draws in 14:29 of ice time. He also managed a primary assist on the game opening goal by potential top-10 pick Valery Nichushkin. Ex-NHLer Jan Bulis had a valiant 2 goal effort in defeat for Traktor, as well. Game Five is Sunday.

In the West, Dynamo Moscow currently holds a 3-1 series lead over top seed SKA St. Petersburg.

KHL Playoffs (Russia):

Eastern Conference Finals
(3)Chelyabinsk 1 vs. (1)Kazan 0 (OT)
Kazan Leads the Series 2-1
Nikita Nesterov, Chelyabinsk, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM, 2 SOG
Playoff totals: 9 GP, 0-2-2, E, 6 PIM
Regular season totals (KHL): 35 GP, 0-1-1, +6, 14 PIM
Regular season totals (MHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0, E, 0 PIM

Nikita Nesterov actually got quite a bit of time as a center, going 5/15 on draws in 16:22 of ice time, in Chelyabinsk's thrilling 1-0 Double Overtime Game Three win over Kazan. Netminder Michael Garnett stopped all 39 shots he faced for the shutout. Game Four is Thursday.