CSKA’s defensive pillars lead the way as the KHL playoffs unfold
Vladimir Krikunov, a legendary figure in Russian hockey, has consistently highlighted the standout defenders who shaped the recent KHL playoffs. Among the most talked about are Alexander Nikishin of St. Petersburg SKA and Nikita Nesterov, the captain of CSKA Moscow. Both players have earned recognition for their ability to read plays, skate with speed, and deliver precise shots that disrupt opponents’ schemes.
Krikunov, who has coached at the highest levels and mentored numerous national talents, singled out Nikishin for his diagnostic awareness on the ice. Nikishin’s anticipation and smooth playmaking help his team transition quickly from defense to offense, while his physicality remains controlled and effective. Nesterov, the CSKA captain, is praised not only for his defensive acumen but also for the way he anchors and organizes the team during shifting game tempos. His leadership exerts a tangible influence on both his own partner pairings and the overall defensive structure of CSKA.
In a tightly contested seventh game of the final series, CSKA defeated Ak Bars with a 3-2 victory to capture the Gagarin Cup. The Kazan team saw goals from Anton Slepyshev, Vladislav Kamenev, and Darren Dietz, while Kirill Petrov and Dmitry Voronkov also stood out for their performances. The result reinforced CSKA’s reputation for resilience and strategic discipline in the most pressure-filled moments of the playoffs.
Looking back to the previous season, Sergei Fedorov’s squad also reached the Gagarin Cup final, where they defeated Metallurg Magnitogorsk to claim the trophy. That triumph underscored the club’s tradition of building a cohesive unit around skilled defenders who can control the game when it matters most.
Meanwhile, news from CSKA rosters included the departure of a veteran goaltender, Adam Reideborn. The decision was reached after careful consideration of foreign player limits and the evolving needs of the team. Both sides agreed that it was time to move in different directions, allowing the organization to pursue options that align with its long-term plans.
Collectively, the playoffs showcased how modern defensive play has evolved in the KHL. The best teams rely on defensemen who can skate, read, and disrupt while also contributing to transition plays and offensive initiations. Nikishin and Nesterov exemplify this balance, embodying the style that many teams aim to replicate in a league famed for its speed and tactical depth. Source: KHL insights.