In the second semifinal game of the Eastern Conference playoffs in the Continental Hockey League, Kazan’s Ak Bars edged out Vladivostok’s Admiral with a hard-fought victory. The contest unfolded at Tatneft Arena in Kazan, where the home team claimed a win by a goal, finishing with a scoreline of 2:1 or better, solidifying its position in the series.
Among Ak Bars players, Ilya Safonov stood out, supported by notable assists from Dmitry Voronkov and Kirill Petrov. Vadim Shipachev also contributed, with Dmitry Kagarlitsky providing the assist that helped shape the decisive plays on the night. Their teamwork and precision on the ice underscored Ak Bars’ offensive tempo and defensive resilience throughout the match.
On the Admiral side, veteran forward Anton Berlev, aged 29, managed to score a highlight reel goal in the proximity of his own crease, a moment that energized the visiting team and reminded spectators of the league’s occasional high-risk, high-reward plays. The goal did not alter the eventual outcome, but it did showcase Berlev’s willingness to push the pace and create opportunities under pressure.
With this result, Ak Bars extended their winning streak to four, leaving Zinetula Bilyaletdinov’s squad up 2-0 in the series and putting Vladivostok in a tougher position to rebound. The series momentum shifted decisively in favor of the Kazan club, which leveraged depth, disciplined structure, and a timely contribution from its top-line players to control the tone of the game from start to finish.
Looking ahead, the third game of the series is scheduled for Monday, March 20, at Fetisov Arena in Vladivostok. The puck drop is set for 12:30 Moscow time, and fans in both locales are preparing for another installment in what promises to be an intense playoff sequence. The tactical focus will likely center on special teams efficiency, neutral-zone execution, and the ability of both teams to sustain pressure through 60 minutes of high-intensity hockey.
Additionally, reports circulating during the event noted the presence of Alexander Ovechkin in attendance, a figure highly anticipated by fans for his involvement and the implications it could hold for the broader competitive landscape of the league. Observers and analysts are considering how such appearances might influence team morale, media attention, and the perception of performance value per game in this season’s campaign. These developments add context to the matchup and reflect the ongoing interest in top players across the league. (Source: KHL official coverage)