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Galchenyuk: Spartak-CSKA Win Felt Like a Play-off Game

After Spartak's 3-2 derby win over CSKA, Alex Galchenyuk likened the atmosphere to Toronto-Montreal, crediting a second-period surge built on character.

Published 1 min read Sportpul editorial
Two hockey players in action: Arsenal player in white (88) and CSKA player Kornaukhov in red-blue (15)

Alex Galchenyuk said Spartak Moscow's 3-2 win over CSKA in the Fonbet KHL Championship felt like a play-off match, despite coming only in round two of the season.

The tactical shift in the second period decided the match, with Spartak seizing control after CSKA’s compact style had stifled them early on.

Asked about the nerve of a derby against CSKA, he said: "It's a different kind of emotion. It's only the second game of the championship, but in terms of emotion and atmosphere it felt like a play-off match. This was a win built on character."

Galchenyuk compared the intensity to Toronto–Montreal or Boston.

CSKA are coached by Igor Nikitin, whose teams are known wherever he has worked for a tight, hard-to-break-down style. Galchenyuk said Spartak had set out to counter exactly that. "CSKA always play a compact game. We talked about needing to get to the crease more and not let them play their game. We have to impose our own," he said.

Spartak stuck to the opening plan, seizing control in the second.

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