Grigory Dronov, a defender for Traktor Chelyabinsk, downplayed the significance of their Gagarin Cup milestone, noting that reaching the semi finals after a 4-0 run against Dynamo Moscow did not strike him as a sensational achievement. He spoke to Sports Express and emphasized that the success felt earned and expected within the team’s own frame of reference.
“This isn’t a sensation for us. Maybe it feels like a surprise for the league, but not for us. We believed in our capabilities, and there is a clear path to victory when the players trust one another and execute,” Dronov stated. He added that even though the final margin in the decisive series wasn’t 4-0 in every game, the confidence and preparation had left them convinced they would prevail. The team’s mental approach, built on consistency and mutual belief, has carried them through the postseason so far.
The match that sealed the semi final berth ended with a 5-4 scoreline, a high-tension finish that showcased Traktor’s attacking resolve and resilience. Looking ahead, the Chelyabinsk side will meet the winner of the Lokomotiv versus Avangard clash in the next round. Lokomotiv currently holds a 3-1 lead in that series, positioning them as the likely opponent, though hockey playoff drama always leaves room for changes and late-game swings.
CSKA Moscow remains the defending champion, having secured the Gagarin Cup in a dramatic 7th game against Ak Bars Kazan last season on the club’s 100th anniversary, a milestone celebrated on April 29, 2023. That victory has left CSKA absent from this season’s pursuit, as the tournament field shifts and fresh contenders emerge. The shift underscores the evolving competitive landscape and the ongoing pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize in Russia. [Sports Express] [CSKA archives]
In retrospective discussions about the playoffs, several observers consider the current run by Traktor to be among the season’s standout performances, even as some pundits had flagged potential inconsistencies early in the postseason. The squad’s ability to maintain pressure late in games and convert important chances has become a talking point in analyses across leagues, reflecting the team’s improved execution and the leadership shown by veterans on the ice. The playoff format, with best-of-five or best-of-seven sequences, tends to reward teams that stay cohesive and keep a steady tempo, traits that Dronov and his teammates have demonstrated throughout this campaign. [Sports commentary]
For fans and analysts, the focus now shifts to whether Traktor can sustain this momentum and translate it into a deep playoff run. The next opponents will test the team’s defensive discipline as well as their ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities. The core message from the club remains consistent: preparation, belief, and collective effort underpin every success, with every game serving as a step toward the ultimate objective of lifting the Gagarin Cup. [League recap]