In a thrilling encounter that showcased the intensity of playoff hockey, SKA St. Petersburg fell to Dynamo Moscow in the fourth match of their KHL playoff series, losing 5-4 in double overtime. The defeat leaves SKA trailing in the series 3-1, raising questions about their ability to turn the tide in the upcoming matches.
The match was marked by a controversial moment in the 74th minute when SKA appeared to score what could have been a crucial goal. However, the goal was disallowed due to interference by an attacking player on Dynamo's goalkeeper, Andrei Motorygin. This moment sparked frustration among SKA players and fans alike, as head coach Roman Rotenberg pointed to a similar incident from 2012 when a goal was also canceled against Dynamo under contentious circumstances.
"Such situations have happened before, we have been through this. In 2012, they also played with Dynamo... they canceled our goal when someone called from somewhere. We are not used to it, we already have such experience," Rotenberg remarked during the post-game press conference. His comments reflect a sense of resignation but also a determination to focus on the team's performance rather than the officiating decisions.
Despite the setback, Rotenberg praised his team's effort, emphasizing the high level of play exhibited by both squads. "The game was of the highest level, two strong teams. The players were fighting until the end, several people were injured during the match. They won this match due to character," he said, acknowledging the resilience shown by his players.
One notable absence for SKA was forward Evgeny Kuznetsov, who did not participate in the overtime period due to an injury sustained earlier in the match. Rotenberg confirmed that Kuznetsov's injury was a factor in his reduced playtime but refrained from providing specific details. "Yes, I won’t comment on specific injuries. We have a next game. The opponent is also listening to our press conference. Yes, we have injuries. I won’t mention names; there’s no point in that," he stated, maintaining a level of discretion regarding his player's health.
As the series progresses, the stakes only get higher. SKA must regroup quickly, with the next match scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, in Moscow, starting at 19:00. The team has a challenging road ahead, needing to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
In the aftermath of the game, Rotenberg faced questions from the media regarding tactical decisions, including the choice to pull the goalie with seven minutes remaining, which led to a goal against. He defended his strategy, stating, "But we equalized the score. That means the decision was right. This is a fact." His confidence in his tactics suggests that he believes in the potential of his team to bounce back, despite the current adversity.
Moreover, the match was also characterized by physical confrontations, leading to inquiries about whether Rotenberg instigated the aggression. He pointed to Dynamo players, noting their background in the AHL and their tendency to provoke. "Look at the guys from Dynamo – Komtua, Sikura… They came from the AHL. Everything there is built on provocations. That’s their style. Our guys don’t need to fall for that," he explained, emphasizing the need for discipline and focus.
As SKA prepares for the next game, the focus will be on recovery and strategizing to counter Dynamo's tactics. With younger players who can recover faster compared to the seasoned veterans on the opposing team, Rotenberg remains optimistic about their chances. "The main thing now is to calmly recover and prepare for the next game," he concluded, instilling a sense of urgency and purpose as they look to turn the series around.
With the playoffs in full swing, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation. Fans will be eager to see how SKA responds in the next matchup against Dynamo, a team that has proven to be a formidable opponent. As the series continues, every game becomes pivotal, and for SKA, it’s now or never.
