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AkBars Kazan won the 5th game of the Gagarin cup final 1-0, (0-0,0-0,1:0) against CSKA to clinch them a Gagarin cup victory - their 3rd in team history.

Team Captain - Alex Svitov and MVP Justin Azevedo awarded with the Gagarin Cup! pic.twitter.com/mfvxFWzODe

— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) April 22, 2018

The game began with AkBars testing the visitor's side, managed to get a PP but nothing happened with the man advantage. Ultimately CSKA regained their edge and assured that the 1st period would go their way even when it was a scoreless tie after first twenty minutes. Moscow side couldn't capitalize on a man advantage late in the period.

CSKA kept applying the pressure thus forcing Albert Yarulin to take two consecutive penalties but both were killed. Nothing seemed to go AkBars way until towards the end of the 2nd period they got a very lengthy o-zone time and earning their own man advantage. No goals after 40 minutes of hockey.

Johansson made a huge save early in the 3rd period but that was not enough - AkBars struck first and took the lead, 1-0. Coaches challenge was demanded by CSKA coach but it was no good - Rob Klinkhammer had put his team up by a goal.

Klinhamers panāk 1-0 AkBars labā, CSKA izdosies atspēlēties, vai šīs tomēr būs pēdejās 18 minūtes KHL sezonā? pic.twitter.com/PlLkg8MhkN

— Viasat Sport Baltic (@ViasatSport_LV) April 22, 2018

CSKA attempted to push back and were unsuccessful falling 1-0 in the game 5 and 4-1 in the series - Meaning that AkBars Kazan are the 2018 Gagarin cup champions.

Emotions running high! pic.twitter.com/tpBGuFBaJN

— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) April 22, 2018

Justin Azevedo earned his honors as the Gagarin Cup MVP! He is also 1st ever Non-Russian player to receive this award.

Justin Azevedo - Gagarin Cup MVP! pic.twitter.com/msAIhBahK2

— Aivis Kalniņš (@A_Kalnins) April 22, 2018

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