On April 22, 2025, Dynamo Moscow made a triumphant return to the KHL playoffs, defeating Ak Bars Kazan 6-1 in the sixth match of their second-round series. This victory not only secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Gagarin Cup but also marked the first time Dynamo has reached this stage since 2013.
The match, held at the Tatneft-Arena in Kazan, showcased Dynamo's dominance throughout the series. With this win, they clinched the series 4-2, demonstrating their resilience after initially falling behind in the playoffs. After two losses in Kazan earlier in the series, the Moscow team rallied back to secure three consecutive victories, ultimately sealing their fate with a commanding performance in the final game.
Maxim Komtua was the star of the show, netting a hat-trick that left the Ak Bars defense scrambling. His goals came at critical moments, including a power-play goal that pushed Dynamo’s lead to 3-0 in the second period. Komtua was not alone in his efforts; Dzhordan Uil, Maxim Dzhioshvili, and Artem Ilyenko also contributed to the scoreboard, making it a comprehensive team effort.
The scoring opened early in the first period, with Uil finding the back of the net just 7:02 into the game. Dzhioshvili quickly followed suit, doubling the lead to 2-0 by the 9:21 mark. Dynamo's offensive pressure was relentless, and Komtua's first goal came at 30:46, further demoralizing the home team.
Despite a late goal from Ak Bars' Mitchel Miller at 51:24, which temporarily brought the score to 5-1, it was too little too late. Komtua sealed the game with his third goal at 54:56, a power-play marker that sent the visiting fans into a frenzy.
Throughout the match, Dynamo's defense was equally impressive, limiting Ak Bars to just 19 shots on goal. In contrast, Dynamo unleashed 32 shots, showcasing their offensive prowess while maintaining a solid defensive structure.
Head coach Alexey Kudashov expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "We showed great character and determination, especially after facing some tough moments earlier in the series. This victory is a testament to our hard work and resilience."
The win not only propels Dynamo into the semi-finals but also highlights their best season in the KHL in 12 years. The team is now set to face Traktor Chelyabinsk in the next round, a matchup that promises to be intense. Kudashov acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "Traktor is a strong team, and we will need to be at our best to compete with them. We’re looking forward to the challenge and hope to continue our momentum."
As the playoffs progress, Dynamo's fans are filled with optimism, hoping that this resurgence could lead to a Gagarin Cup victory. With the talent displayed in the series against Ak Bars, it’s clear that Dynamo Moscow is a force to be reckoned with in the KHL.
In summary, Dynamo's decisive victory over Ak Bars not only secures their place in the semi-finals but also serves as a reminder of their potential. With key players stepping up and a solid game plan in place, the team is poised to make a deep playoff run. The upcoming match against Traktor will be a crucial test, and fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
