Salavat 2011 KHL Champion

16 Apr 2011 | Henrik Lundqvist

Salavat Yulaev Ufa beat Atlant 3-2 today to secure the Gagarin Cup of the third KHL season. The series was won 4-1 with the results 2-1 (OT), 3-1, 3-2, 0-4 and 3-2.

16 Apr 2011, 17:00 | Play-off | Final | Ufa Arena

Salavat Yulayev Ufa

3:2

Atlant Moscow Oblast

Periods:
Shots:

1:0
(10:6)

0:0
(10:11)

2:2
(6:18)

Referees: Anatoly Zakharov, Eduard Odins | Spectators: 7950

Andrei Taratukhin, Andrei Kuteikin and Alexander Svitov scored the goals and goale Erik Ersberg made 33 saves when Salavat defeated Atlant 3-2 to win the 2011 KHL title.

Andrei Taratukhin opened the scoring at 7:45 assisted by Robert Nilsson. It would take a while until next goal was scored. Jan Marek tied it at 43:34 to give Atlant new hope.

With about 5 minutes remaining Salavat scorew twice within a minute and a half. First Andrei Kuteikin made it 2-1 on a power-play and then Alexander Svitov scored 3-1 at 55:48.

Alexei Glukhov got a goal for the guests a half minute later but the Salavat lead would be intact till the end and Salavat are 2011 KHL champions!

Quotes from the winners:
Kirill Koltsov: "In principle, all games in the series with Atlant was a tense struggle. Always won by one goal. Now I feel relieved. Finally it is over. Finally we have won!"

Alexander Radulov: "Emotions are stunning. All's well that ends well. I want to say thank you to all the fans, all the teammates. Without you this victory would not have been! Defeat in last year brought us together and we proved to everyone that we are truly the best in the KHL this year!"

Head Coach Vyacheslav Bykov: "I'm just happy for all our fans for all players, for our families. I express my gratitude to those who supported us. We are happy together with everyone!"

The Championship winning team: