Following the completion of the first round in the Kontinental Hockey League playoffs, the field for the quarterfinals is fully set. The eight teams advancing are ready to contend for the Gagarin Cup in what promises to be a tightly fought knockout phase across North American and European fans alike. (source: KHL)
In Group A, the quarterfinal matchups kick off on March 16 with Dynamo Moscow facing Tractor and Avangard drawing Lokomotiv. The standings reflect a blend of historic powerhouses and rising clubs, each eyeing a deep playoff run. (source: KHL)
Group B action begins on March 17, featuring Metallurg Magnitogorsk against Spartak, followed by SKA taking on Avtomobilist. These pairs bring together teams known for strong postseason credentials and dramatic playoff battles in recent seasons. (source: KHL)
Notably, the 2023/24 season introduces crossover playoffs in the second round, where teams from different conferences square off. This format change adds new strategic layers as clubs adjust to avoiding or embracing unfamiliar matchups. (source: KHL)
Historically, the final two contenders for the Gagarin Cup did not advance past the first round in the following campaign, marking a rare trend in the league. In the recent playoffs, CSKA failed to overcome Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the 1/8 finals, with the decisive fifth game finishing 6:3 in favor of the Yaroslavl squad. CSKA remains the reigning Gagarin Cup holder, yet the club from Kazan fell to Ekaterinburg Avtomobilist in the Ak Bars series, dropping the fifth game 1:2. (source: KHL)
A note from North American observers: the league continues to attract attention from players and fans worldwide, including notable stories outside the rink such as notable former players staying in the public eye for their contributions to the sport and its growth across Canada and the United States. (source: KHL)
Fans in the United States and Canada can anticipate a decisive round of play that will shape the path toward the championship. The quarterfinals bring a mix of veterans and emerging talents, with each series featuring high-stakes games, disciplined defensive play, and timely offense. As teams adapt to the new crossover format, viewers should expect intense rivalries, strategic coaching moves, and memorable individual performances that could influence the league’s competitive landscape for the remainder of the season. (source: KHL)