As the KHL playoffs heat up, Admiral finds itself in a precarious position, facing elimination against Traktor in a decisive matchup on April 6, 2025. The Владивосток team, having finished the regular season in 8th place in the Eastern Conference with 69 points, is looking to turn the tide in front of their home crowd. Despite being labeled as underdogs, Admiral has shown resilience and determination, creating significant challenges for their higher-ranked opponents.
In the ongoing playoff series, Admiral has had its fair share of ups and downs. They began with a stunning victory over Traktor, winning the opening match 5:4. However, the momentum shifted quickly as they lost the second game in overtime 1:2. Back on home ice, Admiral pulled off another thrilling overtime win, defeating Traktor 4:3, but they were unable to maintain that success, suffering a heavy defeat in the next match, where they lost 3:7.
The series has been a rollercoaster for both teams, with Admiral's latest outing resulting in a heartbreaking 4:5 overtime loss in Chelyabinsk. This loss has placed them on the brink of playoff elimination, making their upcoming match a must-win. Coach Leonid Tambiev's squad is grappling with injuries, as Artem Nikolaev and Dzhak Roduold are sidelined, further complicating their playoff fight.
Despite the challenges, Admiral's performance has been commendable. They have battled fiercely against one of the favorites for the Cup, and their ability to score an average of 3.4 goals per match in the playoffs demonstrates their offensive capabilities. However, their defensive play has been inconsistent, with the team struggling to hold onto leads and making critical errors in their own zone.
On the other hand, Traktor, who finished the regular season at the top of the Eastern Conference with 96 points, has faced unexpected resistance from Admiral. They lost the first match but rebounded with a narrow 2:1 victory in the second game. Despite a setback in the third match, where they lost 3:4 in overtime, Traktor bounced back with a commanding 7:3 win in the fourth game and a dramatic comeback victory in the fifth match, winning 5:4 in overtime.
Traktor's coach, Benua Grou, has praised his team's attacking potential, which has been a significant factor throughout the season and in the playoffs. They have consistently created numerous scoring opportunities, averaging 42.6 shots per game in the playoffs. However, their performance has not been without flaws, as their goaltending has been shaky at times, leading to changes in the lineup during crucial matches.
As the teams prepare for their next clash, the stakes couldn't be higher for Admiral. They must capitalize on their home advantage and harness the energy of their fans to push back against Traktor's formidable offense. The series has been notably high-scoring, with four out of five games exceeding a total of 5.5 goals, indicating that this matchup is likely to be another offensive showdown.
Russian hockey coach Vladimir Plyushchev, a former head coach of the national team, has weighed in on the matchup, stating, "Admiral was not in that one step, but in half a step from sensation. All the same, it was necessary in firm style for the team to hold 3:1 in the fourth match and 4:0 in the fifth. However, Tambiev's charges failed to do either one thing or the other." He believes that the series should conclude today, indicating that Traktor's experience and resilience will likely carry them through.
Expectations are high for the upcoming match, with bookmakers placing Admiral's victory at 3.81, a draw at 4.40, and Traktor's win at 1.82. With the pressure mounting, Admiral will need to turn their fortunes around quickly to avoid elimination. As the teams hit the ice, fans can anticipate an intense battle filled with excitement, skill, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
The matchup between Admiral and Traktor is not just about advancing in the playoffs; it’s about pride, perseverance, and proving that anything can happen in the world of hockey. With both teams eager to secure a win, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that showcases the best of KHL hockey.
As the puck drops, all eyes will be on Admiral to see if they can rise to the occasion and extend their playoff journey. The atmosphere in Владивосток promises to be electric, with the home crowd rallying behind their team in this crucial moment. Will Admiral manage to pull off a stunning upset, or will Traktor assert their dominance and advance to the next round? Only time will tell as the action unfolds on the ice.
