The MHL playoffs are heating up as two exciting matchups loom on the horizon. On March 25, 2025, Tolpar will host Kuznetskie Medvedi in Ufa, while MHK Dinamo Moscow takes on MHK Krylya Sovetov the following day in Moscow. Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be thrilling encounters as each team vies for the crucial win that leads further into the playoffs.
Tolpar has recently appointed Evgeny Esaulov as head coach in a bid to revive the team’s fortunes after a disappointing previous season. Esaulov led the Ufa team through a notable turnaround from October to December, where they compiled an impressive series of 16 games that solidified their position, even ascending to the top of the 'Serebryanye' division in mid-November.
With the New Year came renewed challenges, but the team rebounded, ultimately ensuring their future in next season’s 'Golden' division. Tolpar secured second place in the MHL for goals scored, netting 234 times, trailing only SKA-1946, while allowing 165 goals – ranking fifth in their division.
In their match, the historical rivalry adds extra spice, as Kuznetskie Medvedi has eliminated Tolpar from the playoffs twice in the past, making this contest particularly significant. This upcoming showdown marks the first playoff match between these teams since 2012. The teams exchanged victories in their regular-season meetings, each winning away with a score of 4:3.
Meanwhile, Kuznetskie Medvedi faced challenges early in the season under coach Sergei Chubykin, suffering five consecutive losses and finding themselves at the bottom of the 'Golden' division standings. However, a coaching change to Fedor Polishchuk in December turned the tide. Since the New Year, Kuznetskie Medvedi have shown promising resilience, achieving ten wins against three defeats, allowing them to secure the eighth position and a place in the play-in stage.
This season, the Medvedi average 2.8 goals per game and have not scored less than two against Tolpar in their last five encounters. As the upcoming game approaches, analysts consider Tolpar the favorite, with predictions suggesting they will win with odds of 1.55.
Statements from Tolpar players reflect their team spirit and resolve. Defender Ivan Shatilo mentioned, "There were periods when we had dips. But we gathered the guys, discussed, worked on mistakes, and showed team spirit.” Captain Matvey Shidlovsky expressed confidence too: "There is still time to polish our preparations. The team is hitting its peak; we hope to show good results.” Defender Alexander Yatsenko emphasized their ambitions, confidently stating: "We must get through the play-in round and continue playing in the playoffs.”
Across town, MHK Dinamo Moscow stands as the clear favorite against MHK Krylya Sovetov in their playoff game on March 26, having accumulated 65 points in their 52-game season with a goal-difference of 162 for and 149 against. However, their recent form poses a concern as they have suffered five consecutive defeats, including tough losses to Almaz (3:4), Loko (2:4, 2:5), and MHK Spartak (4:5, 1:5). At home, they barely managed a win against Almaz with a score of 3:2.
Krylya Sovetov finished their regular season with 56 points in 54 matches, scoring 163 and conceding 180 goals. Recent form has been more favorable for them, with wins against Russkie Vityazi and AKM-Junior. As the two teams prepare to clash, experts predict a strong showing from MHK Dinamo, citing past performance as key. They’ve experienced three victories in their last five encounters with MHK Krylya Sovetov and boast a solid home advantage.
As fans gear up for the playoffs, predictions indicate that MHK Dinamo Moscow will win the match with a handicap of (-1.5), and the total goals scored in the first period should exceed 1.5, ensuring an exciting start to the game.
With both matchups promising high-stakes action, playoff hockey is set to deliver thrilling moments and fierce competition. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation, and the teams are gearing up to put their best foot forward under pressure, determined to advance deeper into the playoffs.
