Kyiv Capitals forward Daniil Tsarkovsky celebrates a goal during Saturday’s Optibet Hockey League playoff game against Riga Prizma. (Photo: Guntis Lazdāns/LHF)
KYIV, Ukraine – The Kyiv Capitals emphatically launched their Optibet Hockey League (OHL) playoff run on Saturday, defeating Riga Prizma 7-2 in Piņķi, Latvia, to grab a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. The decisive victory signaled a strong start for the Ukrainian club as they pursue a championship title.
The first period saw a back-and-forth exchange. Daniil Tsarkovsky opened the scoring for Kyiv, but Roberts Jekimovs quickly answered for Prizma. Eduards Hugo Jansons restored the Capitals’ lead, only for Valters Apfelbaums to equalize once more. After a tightly contested opening frame, the Capitals took control in the second period, preventing Prizma from adding to their tally.
The second period proved to be a turning point, as the Capitals exploded for five goals. Aleksandrs Novikovs, Ivan Shamardin, Sem Hu, Daniels Klineckis, and Andrijs Krivonozhkins each found the back of the net, effectively sealing the win. Andrei Kostyuk played a pivotal role in the offensive surge, racking up four assists throughout the game. The Capitals’ offensive firepower proved too much for Prizma to handle.
Elsewhere in the OHL playoffs, Liepāja Hockey Team leads Tallinn Panter 1-0 in their quarterfinal series, having secured a 4-1 victory. The top two teams from the regular season, Mogo/RSU and Zemgale/LBTU, have already secured their places in the semifinals, showcasing their consistent performance throughout the year.
Optibet Hockey League Playoff First Round
| Pair | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3 | Game 4 | Game 5 |
| “Liepājas hokeja komanda” – Tallinn “Panter” | 4:1 | 15.03. | 17.03. | *19.03. | *21.03. |
| Kyiv “Capitals” – “Prizma” | 7:2 | 16.03. | 18.03. | *20.03. | *22.03. |
*if necessary
The Kyiv Capitals’ dominant performance marks a significant step in their quest for the Baltic championship. The Optibet Hockey League playoffs are structured so that the league champion will be crowned the Baltic champion, with the highest-placed Latvian and Lithuanian teams also claiming their respective national championships. This adds another layer of importance to each game, as teams compete not only for regional supremacy but also for domestic titles.
This year’s playoff format features a five-round tournament with each team playing 40 games in the regular season – the highest number of games since the 2007/2008 Latvian top league championship. The increased schedule reflects the growing competitiveness and intensity of the OHL. Last season, Mogo/RSU emerged victorious, defeating Zemgale/LBTU 4-1 in the final series.
The Capitals’ victory on Saturday wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was a statement of intent. After finishing fourth in the regular season with 61 points, trailing Zemgale/LBTU (64 points) and Mogo/RSU (64 points), and ahead of Liepājas hokeja komanda (63 points), they are clearly determined to make a deep run in the playoffs. Riga Prizma, who finished the regular season with 36 points, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to level the series.
Game two of the Kyiv Capitals versus Riga Prizma series is scheduled for March 18th. The Capitals will look to capitalize on their momentum and move within one win of advancing to the next round, while Prizma will be fighting to maintain their playoff hopes alive. Fans can follow the action and stay updated on all the latest OHL playoff news through official league channels.
