Ilya Nikolayev, Loko Yaroslavl advance in MHL playoffs

There are almost no Calgary Flames prospects presently playing hockey as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Heck, there are almost no hockey players playing anywhere in the world. But Russia persists and, as a result, one Flames prospect remains active: Ilya Nikolayev.

The Flames’ third round selection in the 2019 NHL Draft, Nikolayev is a second line center with Loko Yaroslavl in the Russian junior league, the Minor Hockey League (MHL). Loko just completed a sweep in their first round series, besting HC Riga in three games by scores of 4-0, 4-2 and 4-1.

Yes, there were fans in attendance in all of these games.

Nikolayev had just one assist, but he averaged 15:49 of ice time per game and won half of his face-offs. He’s more of a two-way player than an offensive powerhouse, and he was a big part of Loko shutting Riga’s offensive weapons down.

Loko is scheduled to face Red Army in the second round. That is, unless the playoffs are canceled as they probably should be given the health crisis sweeping the globe.