CSKA - SKA. Game One

The KHL Gagarin Cup Western Conference final will begin today in Moscow, as CSKA host SKA in the Russian capital.

These two teams have been on a collision course during these playoffs, with it always being set up for the clubs to play against each other in the conference finals. CSKA finished atop the overall KHL regular season table with 139 points, and that does indeed mean that they will begin and potentially finish the series at home. The capital outfit have been practically flawless during these playoffs too, losing just the one game from nine appearances. They saw off HC Sochi with little trouble 4:0, while Jokerit Helsinki did give them a slight test as CSKA came out 4:1 winners.

SKA were the first team to qualify for the Gagarin Cup semi finals, and did so in brilliant style. After defeating HC Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the first round 4:1 our team were handed the daunting task of facing old rivals HC Dynamo Moscow, and it was a test out of which SKA emerged with flying colours. Just the one game was dropped in the entire series, as a dramatic overtime 3:2 win in the fifth match sent our players through.

Statistically, CSKA have without doubt been one of the best teams during these playoffs so far. Both goalkeepers, Kevin Lalande and Stanislav Galimov, have very high save percentages (94.4% and 94.9% respectively), and they have been solid at the back overall. Star forward Alexander Radulov is their focal point attacking wise, and his six assists have helped strike partner Igor Grigorenko to score already nine goals.

SKA have also been impressive though, and goaltender Mikko Koskinen has been rock solid with a saves percentage of 93.5% and a goals against average of 1.58. The second line has been on fire during both series already, with Artemiy Panarin, Vadim Shipachyov and Yevgeni Dadonov having 24 points combined.

During the regular season SKA beat CSKA 4:3 and 3:1 at home, while also winning 3:1 away. CSKA claimed only the one win 5:3 in Moscow.

The CSKA - SKA match will begin at 19.30 local time inside the LDS CSKA, Moscow. 100 TV, Rossiya 2, KHL TV and KHL TV HD will all broadcast the game live, whereas you can keep up to date with events either by following our matchcentre, or our official twitter feed.