Kozlov's fiasco, the collapse of "Siberia's" hopes, and Razin's power: Playoff day results in the KHL

      Gagarin Cup: Hartley's Iron Grip, Razin's Triumph, Kozlov's Fiasco

      Was it worth changing Alexey Kudashov? Office wars drove Dynamo to an almost guaranteed exit in the first round

      If anyone still doubted that the change of Alexey Kudashov right in the middle of the season was a mistake, then now all remaining supporters of the current course of the white-blue team should have no doubts. The office struggle in Dynamo forced first general manager Alexey Sopin to leave, and then coach Alexey Kudashov, who led the team to the semifinals last season, and this could not go unnoticed. As is usually the case – during the backroom struggle, it is the ordinary fan who suffers. Moscow's Dynamo today is a pitiful semblance of last year's team, which boldly knocked out SKA first, and then, in an excellent style, turned the series around against Ak Bars. And the problems under Vyacheslav Kozlov have been going on for quite some time – Dynamo's game disappeared, and for the last two months, the Muscovites played against the backdrop of criticism for the lack of any game idea, coaching thought, and most importantly – attacking spark. The Muscovites simply stopped playing aggressive hockey.

      The change of scenery did not help Moscow's Dynamo turn the tide of the series against their Minsk counterparts. The third match, moved to VTB Arena, only worsened the situation for Vyacheslav Kozlov's charges. The Minsk team, having caught momentum back in the capital of Belarus, continued to dictate their terms even on the road, turning every exit of the Muscovites from their zone into a tough test. Dmitry Kvartalnov's team demonstrated phenomenal game discipline, practically shutting down the leaders of the white-blue team.

      The game in Petrovsky Park unfolded according to a dramatic script. At the end of the first period, Vitaly Pinchuk put the guests ahead, capitalizing on one of the few chances in a sticky opening segment. The Muscovites managed to get back into the game only in the middle of the third twenty minutes thanks to a goal from Artem Sergeev, which gave the stands hope for a comeback. However, in overtime, the last word remained with the "Zubrs." Sam Enes coldly sealed the match in the 64th minute, leaving Kozlov's team's defense helpless.

      The Dynamo coach himself also emphasized the poor execution: "Goals are very hard to come by; in three matches, we scored once. The opponent defends well; unfortunately, in these matches, we couldn't lead at any point. Coming back is always tough; we managed to do it today. But in overtime, we made a mistake, and the opponent punished us. We have one more home game; we'll try to please the fans. We have no other way; we'll go from game to game. Pressure doesn't work when we throw the puck incorrectly, and Fukale plays great with his stick. As soon as we manage, we play normally. The first goal came from Fukale passing to the defenseman, who passed it to Pinchuk. We are punished for our mistakes," Kozlov reflected after the game.

      The result – 2:1 in favor of Minsk and a threatening 0–3 in the series for Moscow. The Belarusian team is one step away from the main sensation of the first round. For the capital club, the situation looks critical: Vyacheslav Kozlov needs to perform the impossible to find the keys to Kvartalnov's systematic play and save the series, which is rapidly slipping from the hands of the favorite.

      Rashevsky's Daring Double: Avangard Takes the Lead in Nizhnekamsk

      The third match of the series between Neftekhimik and Avangard turned into a true test of strength, where the price of each mistake increased to the limit. After exchanging victories in Omsk, the confrontation moved to Nizhnekamsk, and the nature of the game instantly changed towards extreme caution and tough battles. The home team tried to minimize risk, offering the favorite a tightly packed game with minimal free space.

      The first half of the match was spent in exhausting positional attacks. Avangard held the initiative, but the Nizhnekamsk team selflessly blocked shots and waited for counterattacks. It seemed that the game was going until the first goal was scored, which would break this defensive cocoon. The turning point came in the final game segment when the individual skill of the "hawks" leaders found a loophole in the "wolves'" defensive formations.

      The main actor of the evening was Dmitry Rashevsky. In the 52nd minute of the match, he managed to capitalize on a chance, scoring with a precise shot past Dolganov and putting the Omsk team ahead. This goal forced Neftekhimik to open up, which Avangard took advantage of just four minutes later. Rashevsky found himself in the right spot again and scored a double, effectively removing any questions about the winner. The Nizhnekamsk team showed character and, two minutes before the siren, reduced the deficit thanks to the efforts of Luka Profaki, but the final assault did not bring them the desired result.

      The final victory of Avangard with a score of 2:1 allowed the Omsk club to regain the lead in the series. Despite the defeat, Neftekhimik proved that they are ready to fight on equal terms, turning each match into a tough test for the "hawks." The series remains highly unpredictable, as with such tight results, the outcome of any episode can radically change the balance of power in this pair. The Omsk team takes a crucial away match, but the Nizhnekamsk ice promises many more surprises in the upcoming playoff matches.

      Canadian Style in Megasport: Hartley's Lokomotiv Takes the Advantage

      Meanwhile, in Moscow, a no less prestigious battle unfolded between Spartak and Lokomotiv. After exchanging victories in Yaroslavl, the teams approached the third match with an equal score in the series, and the psychological advantage seemed to be on the side of the red-whites. However, Bob Hartley's charges once again proved that they know how to play "big hockey," where discipline and execution of the game plan come first.

      In Megasport, the railwaymen demonstrated exemplary composure. Under the guidance of the Canadian specialist, Lokomotiv practically deprived Spartak of their main trump card – quick attacks on the fly. The Yaroslavl team played tightly in the neutral zone and imposed exhausting battles along the boards on their opponent. Bob Hartley methodically bent his line, forcing the Muscovites to repeatedly bump into an organized defense. This tactic bore fruit: Lokomotiv achieved a crucial away victory, regaining the lead in the confrontation.

      This pair confirms its status as the most unpredictable in the West. Here, a real battle of systems is taking place: the attacking impulse of Alexey Zhamnov against Hartley's pragmatism and experience. At the moment, the scales have tipped in favor of Yaroslavl, which has once again regained confidence in its cup style. However, the character of the series promises us many more twists, as Spartak clearly does not intend to give up without a fight in their home walls.

      Siberia's Hope Lasted Two Periods: Razin's Metallurg One Step Away from the Semifinals

      The third match of the series between Siberia and Metallurg vividly demonstrated the difference in class and cup experience at this stage of the season. The relocation of the confrontation to Novosibirsk, where the local fans always fervently support their team, was supposed to breathe new life into Yaroslav Lyuzenkov's charges. However, the Magnitogorsk team, led by Andrey Razin, approached the away game with a cool head, methodically implementing their game plan and not allowing the hosts to lift their heads.

      Magnitka seized the advantage already in the opening game segment. In the 14th minute, Alexander Petunin confirmed his status as one of the most valuable players of this playoff by converting a power play. The Novosibirsk team tried to respond with aggressive pressing, but the "steelworkers'" defense acted almost flawlessly. Only in the second period did Andy Andreoff manage to momentarily restore intrigue by equalizing the score and making the stands believe in a miracle. But the joy was short-lived: Derek Barak put Metallurg ahead again before the second intermission, skillfully taking advantage of a positional error by Siberia's defenders.

      In the final twenty minutes, Metallurg switched to total control mode. The Novosibirsk team desperately tried to organize a final assault and even replaced the goalie with a sixth skater, but this only led to a logical conclusion. Sergey Tolchinsky sent the puck into the empty net, establishing the final score – 3:1.

      The result – the third victory for Metallurg, making the series score 3–0. The Magnitogorsk team demonstrates enviable stability: in three matches, they have conceded only two goals, completely neutralizing Siberia's attacking potential. Andrey Razin's team is one win away from advancing to the next round, while Yaroslav Lyuzenkov must find a way to make a historic comeback, which is currently hard to believe. The next match on the ice of Siberia Arena could become the final chord for the Novosibirsk club in this Gagarin Cup run.

      Photo: press service of "Dynamo-Minsk"