In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Moscow's Dinamo triumphed over SKA St. Petersburg 5-4 in an overtime clash during the fourth match of the first round of the Fonbet KHL playoffs. This victory, which took place on April 2, 2025, at the VTB Arena, has put Dinamo in a commanding 3-1 lead in the series, leaving SKA with a daunting challenge ahead.
Vyacheslav Fetisov, a two-time Olympic champion, remarked on the fierce competition, stating, "SKA looks like a serious force in the series against Moscow Dinamo." His comments highlight the intensity of the matchup, as both teams showcased their star power and competitive spirit. Despite the loss, Fetisov believes that SKA has the experience and capability to mount a comeback, emphasizing, "It’s not over yet. The team has experienced players who should take on leadership roles."
In the recent match, Dinamo demonstrated their prowess early on, taking a 3-1 lead after the first period. However, a momentary lapse in focus allowed SKA to rally and equalize, forcing the game into overtime. The decisive play came from Dinamo's Paquette, who delivered an impressive performance with 2 goals and 2 assists, while Komtua added another goal and an assist to solidify the win.
Vladimir Krikunov, a former coach of the Russian national team, praised the match's quality, stating, "The fourth match of the Gagarin Cup series between SKA and Dinamo is worthy of the Gagarin Cup final." He noted the high level of competition, with 22,000 fans in attendance, and remarked on the intensity of the game, which he described as one of the best he has witnessed in over a thousand matches. "It’s going to be very hard to win the series after falling behind 1-3 against Dinamo," he added, reinforcing the uphill battle SKA faces.
As the series continues, the next match will take place on April 4, 2025, at the VTB Arena in Moscow. With Dinamo needing just one more win to advance, the stakes are higher than ever. The players are aware of the pressure, and Dinamo's home advantage could play a crucial role in their pursuit of victory.
SKA's coach, Roman Rotenberg, expressed confidence in his team despite the setback, insisting that they will fight until the end. "We won’t give up easily; we’ll battle to the last whistle," he stated, emphasizing the resilience of his squad. However, they will need to improve their performance on the road, where they have struggled, winning only four out of ten away games this season.
In the broader context of the KHL playoffs, the matchup between Dinamo and SKA is not the only exciting event. In NHL news, the St. Louis Blues have secured their 11th consecutive victory, showcasing their dominance in the league. Meanwhile, Nathan MacKinnon has taken the lead over Nikita Kucherov in the NHL scoring race, further intensifying the competition as the playoffs approach.
As fans gear up for the upcoming match, the excitement surrounding the KHL playoffs continues to build. The battle between Dinamo and SKA is not just about advancing in the playoffs; it's a clash of titans, each vying for glory and the chance to etch their names into hockey history.
For those looking to catch the action, live broadcasts of the KHL playoff matches are available on Match TV and through various online platforms. As the series progresses, fans can expect nothing less than high-stakes hockey and unforgettable moments on the ice.
The anticipation for the next game is palpable, with analysts predicting a fierce contest. Dinamo will aim to close out the series, while SKA will strive to keep their championship hopes alive. The stage is set for an electrifying encounter that promises to deliver drama, skill, and the spirit of competition that defines the KHL playoffs.
