The longest journey — the KHL week in review
The 2023 season is a wrap. CSKA secured its third Gagarin Cup after battling through an incredible 27 playoff games to lift the trophy. Read on for reaction, plus the week’s key contract news.
CSKA defends title
After a record-breaking playoff campaign, Sergei Fedorov’s CSKA won its second successive Gagarin Cup thanks to a 3-2 victory over Ak Bars in game seven in Kazan. The final was the third time that CSKA went to game seven during the playoffs. In total, the defending champ played 27 out of a possible 28 post-season games – a KHL record. The Muscovites join Ak Bars on three cup wins in 15 KHL seasons, more than any other club. They are also one of only three teams to repeat as champion (Ak Bars 2009, 2010; Dynamo Moscow 2011, 2012). Meanwhile, head coach Fedorov maintains his flawless record in playoff hockey: he has now played eight series and won them all since taking over at CSKA before the 2021-2022 campaign.
CSKA wins back-to-back Gagarin Cups. April 29 playoffs
Dietz scores golden goal, Grigorenko named MVP
The decisive game was settled by two quick goals in the second period. Ak Bars was up 2-1, and seemingly on its way to a fourth title when CSKA hit back hard and fast. Vladislav Kamenev tied the scores then, 76 seconds later, Darren Dietz fired home the season’s deciding goal. Dietz was named best defenseman of the final, the first time in his career he has won that award, while Kamenev got the equivalent prize for forwards. The best rookie went to CSKA’s Prokhor Poltapov. Mikhail Grigorenko, who had 25 (12+13) points in 27 games, was chosen as the playoff MVP. Grigorenko was also the leading scorer in the 2023 playoffs.
Best players of the Gagain Cup finals
‘This means even more’
After lifting the cup, CSKA’s players were understandably jubilant – especially after such a difficult route to glory.
“My feelings about this win are much stronger than after my first Gagarin Cup in 2019,” said Maxim Mamin. “Back then we knew we would win, we had a team that could skate better than anyone. But this time, 27 games, game seven in the final, a really tough journey, a hard season. That’s why this cup means even more to me than the first.”
‘This cup means even more than my first’ – Gagarin Cup reactions
Grigorenko added that any of his team-mate would have been a legit choice as MVP:
“Lots of our guys deserved this prize after saving the team in different situations throughout the season. I think you give the award to anyone from CSKA and we’d all feel it was a fair choice. That’s why we won the cup, because we have many guys who gave their best in the playoffs. If it wasn’t working out for one player, somebody else stepped up.”
Bilyaletdinov pays tribute to Fedorov
The coaching duel in this year’s final was something a clash of generations. Sergei Fedorov won his second cup, in only his second season behind the bench, by defeating veteran Zinetula Bilyaletdinov.
The older man spoke warmly of Fedorov’s progress:
“I wouldn’t say that Fedorov surprises me [as a coach]. I can see how he works and he does a good job. It’s no accident that his team won the cup two seasons running, and played good hockey all season. I’ve only good things to say about him.”
Morozov celebrates ‘a great season’
KHL President Alexei Morozov – who played for both Ak Bars and CSKA in the league’s early years – was delighted with the 15th KHL campaign.
“It was a great season from start to finish,” he told journalists after CSKA lifted the cup. “The playoffs were terrific. In the first round, after two games, every series was tied at 1-1. That’s what we want to see – a more competitive league, more unpredictable games. In the final, both teams played some great hockey. CSKA won and set a record for the longest journey to the cup – 27 playoff games! The guys are tired, but they deserve the cup for their efforts.”
Bratash to lead Lada
Oleg Bratash will be Lada’s head coach as the Togliatti club returns to the KHL next season. The 57-year-old former netminder has worked at all levels of the game, with roles in junior hockey at Spartak and Loko, plus posts in the senior game with Krylya Sovietov, SKA and Lokomotiv. On the international stage, he has taken charge of Russian national teams in various age groups, including coaching the men’s senior team in Euro Hockey Tour games. Bratash will be working with newly-appointed sporting director Rafik Yakubov, whose most recent role was with SKA and SKA-Neva.
Gusev leaves SKA
SKA has terminated the contract of forward Nikita Gusev. The 30-year-old played in Petersburg in the past two seasons. Last term he scored 61 (28+33) points in 50 games, but was a healthy scratch towards the end of club’s playoff campaign. An Olympic champion and Gagarin Cup winner, Gusev has played 555 games in the KHL. He is sixth in the league for goals (192) and fifth for assists (320).
Sato, Roy ink new deals
The KHL’s only Japanese player, Yu Sato, signed a one-year extension at Torpedo. He remains on a two-way deal. Last season the 21-year-old featured in 40 games and scored 10 (5+5) points. Another import, Canada’s Jeremy Roy, also agreed an extension with Vityaz. The 25-year-old defenseman had 32 (4+28) points in 73 appearances last term.
Chaika wins Kharlamov Cup
Chaika Nizhny Novgorod is Russia’s Junior champion. An overtime victory in game six of the final series secured the title, with Yegor Vinogradov potting the decisive goal after a 2-2 tie in regulation. Artyom Misnikov, 20, was the leading scorer in the playoffs with 24 (5+19) points in 17 games, including two goals and seven assists in the final against Omskye Yastreby. That earned him the MVP. Head coach Nikolai Voyevodin, in his fourth season behind the bench, was named coach of the year after leading his team to the cup.
