In a thrilling showdown, Chelyabinsk's Traktor triumphed over Minsk's Dynamo in a nail-biting second match of the Gagarin Cup playoffs, clinching a 4-3 victory in overtime. The game, held at Traktor's home ice, showcased a fierce battle, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their skills. This win puts Traktor ahead in the series, now leading 2-0 as they head into the next match.
The match began with Dynamo taking an early lead, scoring two quick goals in the first period. Nikolas Melosh opened the scoring for the visitors at 15:02, followed shortly by Ilya Ussov at 17:04, and Yegor Borikov at 21:07, leaving Traktor in a precarious position as they trailed 0-3 early on. However, the Chelyabinsk team displayed remarkable resilience, a hallmark of their playoff run.
Maxim Shabanov was the star of the night for Traktor, netting two goals at 29:37 and 38:16, while Steven Kemppfer added another at 34:47. Shabanov's performance was crucial, as he not only scored but also assisted on Kemppfer's goal, showcasing his playmaking abilities. Traktor's comeback was fueled by their relentless pressure and strategic plays, which eventually wore down the Dynamo defense.
As the game progressed, the tension mounted. With the score tied at 3-3 after regulation time, both teams entered overtime, where the stakes were higher than ever. The decisive moment came when Grigory Dronov scored the winning goal at 69:57, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This goal not only sealed the victory for Traktor but also demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure.
Despite the loss, Dynamo's head coach Dmitry Kvartalnov acknowledged his team's strong start but lamented their inability to maintain momentum. "We played well for half the game. Traktor was a bit fresher, a bit more charged, somehow squeezed the first half of the game. We scored goals, but everything turns around very quickly. We need to learn from these moments," Kvartalnov stated, reflecting on the team's need to regroup ahead of their next matchup.
The absence of key player Alexander Volkov due to injury was felt by Dynamo. His replacement, Ilya Ussov, managed to contribute with a goal and an assist, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. Traktor's coach Benoit Grou emphasized the importance of his team's character and determination, stating, "We showed our character as a team and have done it more than once, coming back into the game, despite the score. The first goal gave us a boost and special energy. We were better and deserved the win."
The series now shifts to Minsk for the third game, scheduled for April 16, 2025. As both teams prepare for this crucial match, the pressure is on Dynamo to respond and avoid falling further behind in the series. The upcoming game promises to be another electrifying encounter, with both teams eager to claim victory.
Fans can catch the action live on Match TV and various streaming platforms, ensuring that the excitement of the Gagarin Cup playoffs continues to captivate hockey enthusiasts.
