The field for the second round of the Continental Hockey League playoffs, known as the Gagarin Cup qualifiers, is now fully set. Teams that earned their spots did so through tightly contested series that showcased depth, resilience, and the kind of late-season surge that postseason hockey demands. The latest results sealed the last two berths for the next stage of the competition, shaping two intriguing matchups in the Eastern Conference and two in the Western Conference.
In the East, Metallurg Magnitogorsk secured a place in the semifinals by edging Avtomobilist 4-3 in a dramatic deciding game on March 14. The Magnitogorsk club carried its momentum into the next round, where it is scheduled to face the formidable Avangard Omsk. That pairing promises a clash of physical, high-tempo hockey with a history of tight games and playoff-point performances. The second Eastern Conference semifinal will feature Ak Bars Kazan taking on Admiral Vladivostok, a matchup that blends a storied club with a shipbuilding city’s proud hockey tradition. Ak Bars advanced with a 4-3 win in a series marked by tight margins, and now they prepare to test their depth against Admiral, who played a determined game to reach the semifinals. The opening contests for these two semifinals are slated for March 16 for Ak Bars vs. Admiral, and March 17 for Metallurg Magnitogorsk vs. Avangard Omsk. (citation: KHL playoff briefing, official results archive)
Western Conference action is equally compelling as the bracket tightens toward a title in Moscow and the surrounding regions. The current focus centers on two high-stakes matchups: SKA St. Petersburg versus Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, and CSKA Moscow facing Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. In a best-of-four format that rewards both speed and strategic discipline, the first series is set to begin on March 16, while the second kicks off on March 17. These rivalries are steeped in history, with each club carrying the expectations of its city and its fanbase into a postseason where every shift matters and every goal can swing momentum. (citation: league scheduling notes, regional press streams)
As the brackets firmed up, commentary from former Olympic champions and respected analysts continued to surface. One notable voice was Valery Kamensky, a legend for his contributions on the ice and his insights off it. Kamensky offered perspectives on the Gagarin Cup race that resonated with fans and analysts alike, underscoring the emotional and strategic stakes of this year’s playoffs. His reflections touched on how teams must adapt to the pace, physicality, and pressure of elimination rounds, and they provided a grounding counterpoint to the day-to-day chatter of standings and scores. (citation: postgame remarks, hockey hall commentary)
In a broader sense, the playoffs highlight how a franchise’s structure, depth, and ability to perform under pressure can tilt a series. Metallurg Magnitogorsk demonstrated late-season consistency and playoff poise that often travels from the regular season into the postseason playbook. Ak Bars Kazan’s resolve in securing a hard-fought series win demonstrates why veteran teams with a strong pipeline of talent remain perennial contenders. Avangard Omsk, Admiral Vladivostok, SKA St. Petersburg, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, CSKA Moscow, and Lokomotiv Yaroslavl all bring distinct styles and strategic approaches to the table, making the quarterfinals and the early rounds of the Gagarin Cup qualifiers a showcase of both traditional strength and modern, adaptable hockey. (citation: league statistics desk, playoff previews)
For fans following the action from Canada and the United States, this stage of the season offers a highly watchable blend of speed, skill, and tactical nuance. Screens and streaming options continue to deliver every pass, minute, and heartbeat of the chase for the Gagarin Cup, with teams pressing to convert momentum into series wins and, ultimately, a league championship. The convergence of veteran leadership, young talent, and regional loyalties helps explain why these playoffs draw attention across North America and beyond. (citation: broadcast rights notes, regional sports reporting)