As the Gagarin Cup playoffs loom, the Ak Bars team is gearing up for a charged series against their long-time rivals, Avtomobilist. The playoffs will kick off on March 26, 2025, in Yekaterinburg, and the stakes are high for a team seeking redemption after last year's disappointment.
Captain Dmitry Yashkin recently expressed a strong desire for revenge against Avtomobilist, noting how the previous encounter in the playoffs ended with Ak Bars disheartened after a quick exit. “Each match starts from scratch; we need to prepare and win,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of detail-oriented preparation as they head into the playoffs.
In their regular meetings, which have taken place frequently over the past few seasons, Ak Bars has learned a lot about Avtomobilist. Yashkin remarked, “We understand that in the regular season, we had a certain advantage over them, but in the playoffs, experience doesn’t matter. Every match starts at 0:0, and we have to be ready to fight for our victories.”
Ak Bars finished the regular season in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, directly beneath Avtomobilist, which secured the fourth seed with a strong finish. This resulted in both teams clashing once again in the first round of the playoffs, reminiscent of their earlier bout where Avtomobilist emerged triumphant, winning 4-1 in the series. Ak Bars aims to flip the script this time, with several players noting this goal.
Head coach Anvar Gatiyatulin, meanwhile, has been busy preparing the team physically and mentally. “It’s important to focus on our preparation... everything is decided in details, character, and dedication,” he shared, recognizing that meticulous strategy can dictate outcomes in playoff games. The training regimen leading up to the playoffs has emphasized honing skills in both power plays and penalty kills, crucial components of playoff success.
Moreover, Gatiyatulin has sought insights from former head coach Zinetula Bilyaletdinov, who has extensive playoff experience and has been consulted since 2018 for preparations. “Consulting with Bilyaletdinov has been crucial for our playoff preparations,” Gatiyatulin mentioned, underscoring the shared wisdom that helps guide the team forward.
As the players practice in anticipation of the intense series ahead, forward Ilya Safonov stated that the team is in a focused and determined mindset. “We’re looking forward to proving ourselves on the ice... this is our job,” he noted, reflecting the overall sentiment within the team. Safonov commented on the strength of Avtomobilist but maintained a focus on their own game execution. He added, “It’s essential to attack and break through their defense.”
The playoff series will bring an exciting new chapter in this storied rivalry. Amidst the thrilling atmosphere, fans will get an opportunity to be part of the action in both venues. The matches will start in Yekaterinburg before shifting to Kazan, and if the series reaches its limits, matches could be played through early April, building suspense for fans on both sides.
As for ticket sales, interest is already high, with fans eager to witness this clash of titans. Ak Bars is taking no chances, having settled on their starting goalkeeper, Timur Bilyalov, for the first match. Both teams are ready to showcase their skills, and a new arena awaits them—the Tatarstan team will debut in the UGMK-Arena, with a capacity to host 12,588 spectators, marking a significant venue change from their previous home at Uralets Arena.
Fans are sure to expect explosive performances as Ak Bars looks to reclaim their pride and upset Avtomobilist’s ambitions as they aim for playoff glory. The narrative surrounding this playoff matchup is a testament to the fierce rivalry and tenacity between the teams, as they gear up for what promises to be an unforgettable series.
