KHL PLAY-OFFS KICK OFF TODAY

The first matches of Gagarin Cup first knockout round will take place today in KHL Western Conference.


SKA (1) – Dynamo Riga (8)

First match – Saint Petersburg, 19-00 MSK

SKA’s chances are much higher, as they overcome their rivals both in class and motivation. All that Julius Supler’s team can do is to win one or two home matches.

HC MVD (2) – CSKA (7)

First match – Balashikha, 19-30 MSK

Judging by the regular season, CSKA is not very comfortable opponent for HC MVD, that is why there is no clear favourite of the series.

Dynamo Moscow (3) – Spartak (6)

First match – Moscow, 19-30 MSK

Dynamo is capable to defeat Spartak only if players’ mindset is maximum. The Red-and-Whites have already proved that they are cup team, which compensate their disadvantages by extreme self-efficiency.

Atlant (4) – Lokomotiv (5)

First match – Mytischi, 19-30 MSK

Most likely the outcome of the series will depend on coaches’ rivalry. Lokomotiv experienced coach Vorobyev should beat his young colleague Borschevsky.