The 2024/25 KHL season came to a thrilling conclusion on March 23, 2025, marking the end of the regular championship and the anticipation of the Gagarin Cup playoffs. Teams are poised to battle it out in the playoffs, as the matchups for the first round have officially been announced.
In the Western Conference, the top-seeded Lokomotiv from Yaroslavl will face off against the eighth-seeded Torpedo from Nizhny Novgorod. This campaign promises to be intense, with their first game kicking off on March 27. Dynamo Moscow, the second seed, is set to clash with SKA from Saint Petersburg, who are positioned seventh, ensuring a fierce rivalry will unfold on the ice. Matches for this series are also scheduled for March 27, 29, and 31, followed by games on April 2, 4, 6, and 8 if necessary. Spartak Moscow, ranked third, will battle against Severstal from Cherepovets, while Dynamo from Minsk takes on CSKA Moscow in a showdown of capital teams.
Here are the specific matchups for the Western Conference: Lokomotiv (1) vs. Torpedo (8), Dynamo Moscow (2) vs. SKA (7), Spartak (3) vs. Severstal (6), and Dynamo Minsk (4) vs. CSKA (5). "The first games of the Gagarin Cup—2025 will take place on 2025-03-26," confirmed reports from various sports outlets including sportbox.ru.
Transitioning to the Eastern Conference, the dynamics hold equal promise and excitement. Leading the conference, Traktor from Chelyabinsk will start their playoff journey against Admiral from Vladivostok, who entered as the eighth-place team after losing their last regular season match against Neftekhimik 2-7. This loss cemented their lower rank but nonetheless prepared them for a challenging first round.
In other matchups from the Eastern Conference, second-ranked Salavat Yulaev will face off against Sibir of Novosibirsk, while the defending Gagarin Cup champions, Metallurg from Magnitogorsk, will take on Avangard from Omsk. Lastly, Automobilist from Yekaterinburg will challenge Ak Bars of Kazan, establishing a competitive landscape as they all vie for a shot at the championship title.
The matchup insights are as follows: Traktor (1) vs. Admiral (8), Salavat Yulaev (2) vs. Sibir (7), Metallurg (3) vs. Avangard (6), and Automobilist (4) vs. Ak Bars (5). As conveyed by multiple news sources, "the series will run until four wins," a format that adds extra layers of excitement and intensity to the upcoming rounds.
Fans can expect matches to commence at the home arenas of the higher-seeded teams, creating a vibrant atmosphere as the quest for the Gagarin Cup begins. The series format makes every game critically important, as teams navigate the playoffs in hopes of making it to the next stage and potentially claiming the coveted title.
The playoffs bring an incredible opportunity for fans to engage with their teams through various channels. This year promises thrilling encounters as teams bring their best strategies and skills to the ice. With previous seasons' experiences forming the groundwork for the intense rivalries that will be showcased, the KHL playoffs are set to captivate audiences across the globe.
As the excitement builds, fans are encouraged to participate in discussions around the matchups and predictions in various social media groups and forums. As anticipation for the playoffs reaches its peak, one thing is clear: the quest for the Gagarin Cup has never been more electric. Who will rise to the occasion and etch their names into hockey history? The battle begins March 26, so gear up for an unforgettable playoff season!
