In a thrilling showdown that lasted well into the night, SKA St. Petersburg faced a heartbreaking defeat against Dynamo Moscow in the fourth match of their Gagarin Cup playoff series. The game, held on April 3, 2025, ended with a score of 5-4, with Dynamo clinching victory thanks to a dramatic overtime goal by Maksim Komyua. This loss puts SKA in a precarious position, now trailing the series 3-1.
The match was a testament to the intensity of playoff hockey, characterized by fierce competition and physical play. Both teams battled hard, exchanging goals and momentum throughout the game. SKA initially took the lead but struggled to maintain it, eventually forcing the game into overtime after a nail-biting third period.
However, the game's turning point came in the first overtime period when SKA appeared to have scored a crucial goal. A scramble in front of the net led to what many thought was a legitimate score, but after a lengthy six-minute review, the referees disallowed the goal due to interference by a Dynamo player. This controversial decision sparked frustration among SKA players and fans alike.
Head coach Roman Rotenberg did not hold back in his post-game comments regarding the disallowed goal. "This was a game of the highest level, where two strong teams met. I want to thank our guys; they fought until the end. Some players got injured during the match, but we showed character and determination. We heroically scored, and to have a goal taken away like that is tough to swallow," he said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the match.
Rotenberg also drew parallels to a similar incident from 2012, suggesting that external influences may have played a role in the referees' decision. "We’ve been in a situation like this before. Someone called and our goal was disallowed. We’re used to it! We won’t get upset or dwell on it. Let the experts who make these decisions be accountable for their work while we focus on our game," he remarked, emphasizing the need for his team to remain focused despite the setback.
On the other side of the ice, Dynamo Moscow's forward Maksim Komyua, who scored the winning goal, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. "We tried to play disciplined hockey, sticking to our principles. We knew what we were up against and prepared for it. Playoffs are about the team, not individual players. We worked together to achieve this victory," Komyua stated, highlighting the team effort that led to their crucial win.
The rivalry between SKA and Dynamo has been fierce, and this match was no exception. The physicality of the game led to multiple altercations, showcasing the high stakes of playoff hockey. Komyua acknowledged the intensity, stating, "This is playoff hockey. You can expect nothing less. We knew it would be tough, and we were ready for the challenge. My teammates and I were prepared for anything that came our way, including the physical play from SKA."
As the series progresses, SKA faces a daunting task ahead. With Dynamo leading 3-1, the pressure is on for them to win the next match to stay alive in the playoff race. The fifth game is set to take place in Moscow, where SKA will need to regroup and come out strong if they hope to extend their postseason journey.
This matchup not only highlights the competitive spirit of both teams but also sets the stage for what promises to be an electrifying finish to the series. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next clash, where SKA will look to bounce back and keep their championship hopes alive against a formidable Dynamo squad.
The Gagarin Cup playoffs continue to deliver high drama and excitement, and as teams fight for supremacy, every goal and every decision can change the course of the series. With the stakes higher than ever, both SKA and Dynamo will need to dig deep as they head into the next battle on April 4, 2025.
