SKA – CSKA. Introducing the opponents

31 March 2023

WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

1. SKA: 40 regulation wins, 6 overtime wins, 4 penalty shootout wins, 13 regulation defeats, 3 overtime defeats, 2 penalty shootout defeats, goal difference 243-150, 105 points;

2. CSKA: 33 regulation wins, 8 overtime wins, 2 penalty shootout wins, 17 regulation defeats, 5 overtime defeats, 3 penalty shootout defeats, goal difference 214-162, 94 points.

SPECIAL TEAMS DURING FIRST TWO PLAYOFF ROUNDS

POWERPLAY

15. SKA: 42 powerplays, 5 powerplay goals, 11.9% conversion rate;

9. CSKA: 34 powerplays, 7 powerplay goals, 20.6% conversion rate.

PENALTY KILL

4. SKA: 40 penalty kills, 6 conceded goals shorthanded, 85.0% success rate;

10. CSKA: 50 penalty kills, 11 conceded goals shorthanded, 78.0% success rate.

REGULAR SEASON MEETINGS

03.10.2022. CSKA – SKA – 2:3 OT (Okulov, Nesterov – Pylenkov, Khairullin, Groshev);

22.11.2022. SKA – CSKA – 6:2 (Vorobyov, Gusev, Bardakov, Zhafyarov 2, Jaskin – Karnaukhov, Kamenev);

21.12.2022. SKA – CSKA – 1:2 (Zykov – Kamenev, Karnaukhov);

28.12.2022. CSKA – SKA – 3:1 (Okulov 2, Sorkin – Khusnutdinov);

17.01.2023. CSKA – SKA – 4:2 (Nesterov, Mingachyov, Sorkin, Plotnikov – Gusev, Pedan);

25.01.2023. SKA – CSKA – 3:1 (Khairullin, Galimov, Gusev – Dietz).

OUTLOOK

Has anyone else got a feeling of déjà vu? Yes, for the seventh time since 2015, bitter rivals SKA and CSKA will lock horns in the semi-finals of the Gagarin Cup playoffs.

SKA will indeed be aiming to snap their miserable playoff streak against the Moscow-based organisation. Ever since the memorable 4-3 series triumph in 2015, SKA have lost to CSKA at this stage of the competition in five consecutive campaigns (0-4, 2-4, 3-4, 2-4, 3-4). Our players were particularly close to ending the curse last season, but they contrived to let the semi-final slip away from them after initially holding a 3-2 series lead and being level at 1:1 after two periods of game six.

Nevertheless, we do possess plenty of reasons to be confident this time around. Our team produced several impressive performances against CSKA in the regular season, beating the Muscovites on three occasions on the way to confidently winning the regular season. Moreover, SKA raced through the quarter-finals of the playoffs, showing their firepower to sweep a spirited Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod team aside 4-0.

CSKA, meanwhile, have been inconsistent in these playoffs so far. While SKA sent Torpedo packing in a mere matter of four games, the reigning champions had real trouble in getting past Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, eventually progressing with a statement 5-0 thrashing in the seventh match of their quarter-final series. The capital club had previously edged Severstal Cherepovets 4-3 in the opening phase of this year’s competition, despite having trailed 0-2 at one point in game seven.

Even though CSKA are struggling for consistency, their sheer quality and playoff know-how has been there for all to see. When required, they always manage to produce the goods, regardless of who they’re playing against. At times, CSKA can knowingly lure opposing teams into a false sense of security, but in the crucial moments they overwhelm their opponents at the click of a finger with their intense pressing and unrivaled ruthlessness in front of goal. Coached by the legendary Sergei Fyodorov, the two-time league winners compete in a systematic, organised manner across the ice, relying on smooth team play rather than individuals. Matching CSKA's physical approach will be vital for SKA.

Boasting 14 (6+8) points from as many appearances, Mikhail Grigorenko has been unstoppable for CSKA in the second line with Maxim Sorkin (1+4) and the dangerous Maxim Mamin (5+5). In the first line alongside fellow familiar face Sergei Plotnikov (4+3) and Konstantin Okulov (1+8), former SKA forward Vladislav Kamenev has been in excellent form too, tallying eight (6+2) points. Furthermore, Nikita Nesterov (1+9) is always a constant threat from the blue line with his attack-minded play. 31-year-old Swede Adam Reideborn is widely expected to begin the series as CSKA’s starting goalkeeper.

Before defeating Torpedo in the quarter-finals, SKA had beaten Dinamo Minsk 4-2 in a tight Round of 16 series. The lack of productiveness on the powerplay (11.9%) is a major worry for boss Roman Rotenberg.

PLAYOFF LEADERS

SKA

GOALTENDERS

Dmitry Nikolaev: 10 matches, 7 wins, 2 defeats, save percentage 91.5%, goals against average 2.33, 2 shutouts;

Vladislav Podyapolsky: 1 match, 1 win, save percentage 92.9%, goals against average 1.09.

DEFENSEMEN

Igor Ozhiganov: 6 (2+4) points, +7;

Nikita Kamalov: 6 (1+5) points, +5;

Alexander Nikishin: 5 (2+3) points, +8.

FORWARDS

Marat Khairullin: 13 (6+7) points, +6;

Nikita Gusev: 11 (5+6) points, +3;