The KHL playoffs are heating up as Admiral and Traktor face off in a thrilling series that has taken many by surprise. The matchup on April 2, 2025, at 12:30 PM Moscow time is set to be a critical game in this best-of-seven series, with Admiral currently leading 2-1 after some unexpected victories.
Admiral, who finished the regular season in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, has shown remarkable resilience and skill in the playoffs. They started their playoff journey with a stunning 5-4 victory against Traktor, the Eastern Conference leaders, in Chelyabinsk. This victory was highlighted by a stellar performance from Nikita Soshnikov, who scored a hat-trick, including two goals in regulation and another in overtime during their latest match at Fetisov Arena, which ended 4-3 in favor of Admiral.
Head coach Leonid Tambiev has instilled a fearless mentality in his players, allowing them to play aggressively while minimizing mistakes. The team’s solid defensive structure, led by Shulak, has been crucial, as they have managed to contain Traktor’s potent offense, which was the best in the league during the regular season. Admiral's ability to capitalize on scoring chances has also been impressive, as they scored 9 goals in the first three games of the series.
Despite Admiral's recent success, Traktor is still a formidable opponent. They finished the regular season with 96 points and have been known for their strong defensive play. However, they have struggled in the playoffs, losing two of their three encounters with Admiral, both in overtime. Traktor’s head coach Benua Grou faces pressure to adjust his tactics as his team has yet to find the scoring touch that characterized their regular season.
In the first game of the series, Traktor was caught off guard, and despite their efforts, they fell short. In the second game, they managed to reclaim some momentum with a 2-1 overtime win but were again bested by Admiral in the following match. Traktor's star goalie, Zak Fuka, has struggled to maintain his regular-season form, currently boasting a save percentage of only 89.7%. The team will need him to step up if they hope to turn the series around.
Admiral has been bolstered by the contributions of players like Soshnikov, who not only leads in scoring but also in distance covered on the ice, demonstrating his work ethic and commitment. The team’s chemistry has been evident, with key players like Petukhov, Shepelev, and Shestakov supporting Soshnikov in both offensive and defensive roles.
As the series progresses, the stakes are high. Traktor aims to regain control and equalize the series, while Admiral looks to solidify their lead and take a significant step towards advancing in the playoffs. The odds for the upcoming match reflect the competitive nature of this series, with the bookmakers giving Traktor a slight edge at 1.81 to win, while Admiral’s odds stand at 3.75 for a victory, and a draw at 4.40.
Fans can catch the live broadcast of the match on Kinopoisk, and many will be eagerly watching to see if Admiral can continue their surprising playoff run or if Traktor will rise to the occasion and reclaim their status as the favorites.
This series is not just about the games; it’s about the narratives and the players’ journeys. Admiral has proven they belong in the playoffs, and with their home ice advantage, they will be looking to capitalize on their momentum. Meanwhile, Traktor must find a way to adapt and overcome if they wish to keep their championship hopes alive. The upcoming match promises to be a nail-biter, with both teams desperate for a win.
As the puck drops at Fetisov Arena, fans can expect a high-octane battle filled with intensity, skill, and perhaps a few surprises. Will Admiral extend their lead, or will Traktor find their footing and even the series? Only time will tell as the action unfolds.
