MOSCOW (Interstat) — The Kontinental Hockey League playoffs begin Wednesday with a classic Russian rivalry as CSKA Moscow hosts SKA Saint Petersburg in Game 1 of their opening-round series at CSKA Ice Palace.

The matchup is a stark contrast in momentum. CSKA (37-30-1) enters the postseason with confidence after a 3-2 victory over SKA just two days ago, completing the regular season series with a 3-2 edge. SKA (30-28-2) limps in having lost three of its final four games, including that recent defeat to its archrival.

All eyes will be on CSKA forward Maxim Sorkin, who was instrumental in Monday’s win, scoring both goals in the third period to secure the comeback. Sorkin has been on a tear, recording four goals and three assists in his last eight games. For SKA, physical defenseman Danila Galenyuk will be a key figure. He delivered a game-high four hits in the last meeting and has been a consistent physical presence, logging 13 hits over his past seven contests.

The teams have played five tight games this season, with four decided by a single goal. CSKA’s home-ice advantage has been significant in the rivalry, winning two of the three meetings in Moscow this season, including a 3-2 shootout decision on Feb. 1.

CSKA, which finished with seven more wins than SKA in the regular season, appears to have stabilized after a mid-season slump, going 6-4-0 in its last ten. SKA’s form is more concerning, with a 4-5-1 record in its final ten games, including recent lopsided losses to Sibir Novosibirsk and Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, CSKA is projected to take a 1-0 series lead with a 4-2 victory. The series will shift to Saint Petersburg for Games 2 and 3 on Friday and Sunday.

The winner of this best-of-seven series will advance to the second round of the Gagarin Cup playoffs.