Preview of KHL Playoff Game Between CSKA Moscow and SKA Saint Petersburg

SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia (Interstat) — The Kontinental Hockey League playoff series between CSKA Moscow and SKA Saint Petersburg shifts to the Ice Palace on Sunday for a pivotal Game 3, knotted at one win apiece.

The best-of-seven series has followed a tight script. CSKA captured Game 1 in Moscow 3-2 on March 23 before SKA evened it with a 4-2 road win on March 25. The most recent meeting, however, saw the home-ice advantage hold firm as SKA goaltender Sergei Vl. Ivanov backstopped a 1-0 shutout victory in Saint Petersburg on Friday.

Ivanov’s performance, stopping all 22 shots he faced, makes him the focal point for SKA. In his last three appearances, he has twice made over 40 saves, showcasing the form that could define this series.

For CSKA, defenseman Ivan Patrikhayev has been a physical presence throughout the series, recording two hits in Friday’s narrow loss. His steady play on the blue line will be crucial as CSKA looks to solve Ivanov and reclaim momentum on the road.

Historically, the rivalry has favored the home team recently. Four of the last five head-to-head meetings have been won by the host, a trend SKA will aim to continue. CSKA, however, boasts the stronger overall season record at 38-31 compared to SKA’s 31-29-1 mark across all competitions.

The chess match between CSKA’s offense, which averaged over three goals per game in the final stretch of the regular season, and Ivanov’s netminding will likely decide Game 3. A CSKA victory would steal back home-ice advantage, while an SKA win would push the Army Men to the brink in front of their home crowd.

Puck drop is set for Sunday, March 29, 2026.