Army Rivalry to get the playoff party started

23 March 2026

In a match-up we’re used to witnessing in the latter stages of the competition, SKA will go to battle against arch-rivals CSKA Moscow in the maiden round of the 2025/2026 KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs.

GRADUAL IMPROVEMENT WITH FLAWLESS GOALKEEPING

Just like SKA, the Muscovites initially found themselves languishing at the wrong end of the Western Conference during the opening months of the regular season. At one point there looked to be a realistic possibility of CSKA not even making the playoffs, but Igor Nikitin’s troops promptly woke from their slumber and stormed up the standings in impressive fashion to secure a top-four finish.

A big reason behind their vast improvement is talented goalkeeper Dmitry Gamzin. Still only 22 years of age, Gamzin plays with remarkable maturity and composure between the pipes, going about his work in a calm manner without ever committing any glaring errors. The fact that he ended the regular season as the best goalkeeper in terms of goals-against-average and shutouts tells you everything you need to know about his importance to this CSKA team.

A key moment of CSKA’s season was the departure of troublesome forward Daniel Sprong. Although the Dutchman amassed 31 points across just 29 appearances, he often found himself sidelined by Nikitin amid reports of creating a toxic atmosphere within the group. Sprong was eventually traded to Yekaterinburg in early January, with CSKA subsequently finding the stability which had previously eluded them.

Known for his pragmatic approach, it should come as no surprise that two-time Gagarin Cup champion Nikitin is continuing to operate a strict tactical system with CSKA. Always competing with an emphasis on defence, CSKA like to suffocate their opponents across the ice with their intense pressing, keeping them at a safe distance and applying incessant pressure in the attacking zone with lengthy carousels which tire opposing teams. Constant sharp movement and quick passes will be required if SKA are to break their watertight back line down.

Gifted 23-year-old forward Prokhor Poltapov became CSKA’s top scorer in the first stage of the tournament, gaining a large total of 40 (16+24) points from 68 matches. His line with Maxim Sorkin and Vitaly Abramov has been one of the KHL’s most consistent across the last couple of seasons.

Furthermore, we can also expect plenty of danger from the likes of familiar face Dmitry Buchelnikov, Nikolai Kovalenko and Pavel Karnaukhov. Vastly experienced defenseman Nikita Nesterov remains the main CSKA threat from the blue line.

We met on four occasions with CSKA across the regular season, recording five points and two hard-fought victories. CSKA did indeed finish only three points above fifth-placed SKA in fourth.

REGULAR-SEASON LEADERS*

GOALKEEPERS

Dmitry Gamzin: 40 matches, 24 wins, 93.8% save percentage, 1.49 GAA, 8 shutouts

Alexander Samonov: 19 matches, 9 wins, 90.8% save percentage, 2.23 GAA, 1 shutout

DEFENSEMEN

Nikita Nesterov: 18 (3+15) points, +1

Jeremy Roy: 15 (4+11) points, +2

Nikita Okhotyuk: 14 (2+12) points, +10

FORWARDS

Prokhor Poltapov: 40 (16+24) points, +5

Nikolai Kovalenko: 31 (12+19) points, -8

Maxim Sorkin: 28 (9+19) points, +2