On March 26, 2025, the highly anticipated 1/8 finals of the Gagarin Cup will commence, where Dinamo Minsk will host CSKA Moscow at the Minsk-Arena. This matchup flags an electrifying series as both teams have their sights set on playoff glory.
Dinamo Minsk, having finished the regular season in fourth place in the Western Conference, is eager to leverage its home-ice advantage for the series. The team concluded the regular season with two strong victories, outscoring their opponents 10-3, which included a decisive 4-1 win against CSKA. This performance has instilled confidence in the squad and led to aspirations for advancing past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in history.
Despite having finished in the lower half of postseason seeding in recent years, Dinamo has shown it can compete effectively at this stage. The team scored a total of 206 goals during the regular season while conceding 161, reflecting a balanced offensive and defensive approach.
CSKA Moscow is coming off a fifth-place finish, trailing Dinamo by just one point. After a series of setbacks at the end of the regular season, including four losses in five games, the army men managed a narrow 2-1 victory over Vityaz in their last game, restoring some confidence. CSKA will enter this series seeking redemption and will aim to overturn its recent poor record against Dinamo.
Historically, the teams have faced each other 48 times in the KHL, with CSKA dominating the matchup with 36 wins compared to Dinamo's 12. The last five encounters have all seen Dinamo victorious, which adds pressure on CSKA as they prepare for this first playoff meeting. This dominance includes Dinamo’s impressive performance earlier this season where they clinched wins with scores of 5-4, 2-0, 4-1, and 4-1.
Bookmakers have deemed Dinamo the favorite to win this series, with betting odds at 1.85 compared to CSKA's 1.95. Furthermore, analysts predict a long series, with odds of 1.50 for more than 5.5 total matches, and 2.40 for less than that. Additionally, there is skepticism regarding the total number of goals scored; bettors have options for a total of over 30.5 at 1.95 and under 30.5 at 1.75.
The stakes in this playoff series are monumental for Dinamo, having never advanced past the first round before now. Players and coaches alike recognize the significance of starting strong, especially with the recent track record that puts them in a powerful position. The expectation is that Dinamo will take advantage of their home games, looking to cement a 2-0 lead after the first two matches.
Overall, the upcoming series signifies more than just a competition; it represents an opportunity for Dinamo to break a long-standing cycle of first-round exits and challenge the perceived norms against CSKA. The latest victories over their rivals bolster their confidence and resolve as they head into this crucial phase of the season.
The first puck drops March 26 at the Minsk-Arena, and fans are gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter. Can Dinamo continue its hot streak and secure a pivotal home victory over CSKA? The answer awaits don the ice.
