In a recent Kontinental Hockey League matchup, SKA’s head coach Roman Rotenberg reviewed his club’s performance against Salavat Yulaev. He highlighted the moment with a firm sentiment about chasing a championship, underscoring the high stakes and the need for focus under pressure.
Rotenberg described the win as earned, noting that the team delivered a strong showing in the first half and then faced a challenging stretch in the third. He said the squad played well for two periods, but in the third period the game shifted, and they strayed from the principles that had carried them thus far. His assessment was clear: a 4-0 lead can feel comfortable, yet the opponent mounted a determined fight. The coach praised the opponent for a sharp third period and reminded the players that discipline means absorbing the punch without abandoning game plans. He stressed trust in the opponent’s quality and the importance of staying true to core principles, vowing to apply this lesson moving forward.
The match concluded with a 4-3 victory for the St. Petersburg club after a dominant start. Following two frames, SKA reached a 4-0 lead, then weathered a push from Salavat Yulaev to seal the win. The team showed resilience and an ability to respond to pressure, which Rotenberg believes will serve them well as the season progresses.
With this result, SKA holds the top position in the Western Conference standings with 83 points. Lokomotiv Yaroslavl sits three points behind in second place, while Dynamo Moscow trails in third with 79 points. The standings reflect SKA’s steady performance and depth across lines, contributing to a strong push toward critical playoff positioning.
Looking ahead, SKA’s status remains secure for a shot at the Gagarin Cup, as the club has already secured a playoff berth. The path remains demanding, but the club’s execution and strategic discipline during the regular season have positioned them well for the postseason run.
In related action, Ak Bars halted Traktor’s five-game winning streak, adding another layer to the competitive landscape of the league and underscoring how every game shapes the playoff picture.