The Optibet Hockey League semifinal series between Mogo/RSU and Kyiv Capitals has opened with three emotionally intense games, with momentum shifting multiple times. Currently, Kyiv holds a 2–1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
In the opening game, Mogo/RSU delivered a tight and physical performance on home ice but suffered a painful 1–2 overtime loss.
The visitors took the lead in the second period on a power play, while the home side struggled to beat the outstanding Kyiv goaltender Nazar Boiko. Late in regulation, after pulling their goalie for an extra skater, Mogo/RSU managed to equalize, with Kristers Ansons finding the net.
However, overtime proved costly. A failed line change gave Capitals a power-play opportunity, which they converted with a powerful shot to secure the win and take a 1–0 series lead.
The second game saw a completely different Mogo/RSU side, as they responded emphatically with a dominant 6–2 victory to level the series.
The home team stunned their opponents early, scoring four goals in the opening stages. Kaspars Ziemiņš, Niks Feņenko, Aleks Ļeonovs and Timurs Solostejs all found the net, forcing Kyiv to change their goaltender.
Mogo/RSU continued to control the game, with additional goals from Deivids Sarkanis and Kristers Ansons. Despite Kyiv’s efforts to fight back, Kārlis Mežsargs delivered a solid performance in goal, helping his team deservedly tie the series at 1–1.
In the third game on the road, Mogo/RSU once again fell short, losing 2–3 and allowing Capitals to regain the series lead (2–1).
Both goals for Mogo/RSU were scored by team captain Gints Meija, assisted by Deivids Sarkanis, showcasing strong on-ice chemistry.
The decisive moment came in the third period, when Capitals scored twice within just 15 seconds to take control of the game. Although Mogo/RSU managed to equalize once more on the power play, a costly mistake in their own zone in the final minute proved decisive, as Capitals netted the game-winning goal.
Source: mogohalle.lv
(Translated using artificial intellect tool)
About Mogo/RSU
Founded in 2014, Mogo/RSU has become one of the strongest and most decorated hockey clubs in Latvia. The team won the Latvian championship in its very first season and repeated the achievement in 2019, 2024, and 2025. From 2016 to 2017, Mogo/LSPA claimed the Latvian Cup three years in a row, defeating HK Kurbads in each final. The founder and president of Mogo/RSU is Māris Martinsons, who is also a board member of the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation. The team’s head coach is former Latvian national team player Ģirts Ankipāns. Mogo/RSU’s general manager since the club’s first day is Elviss Želubovskis, who continues to represent the team on the ice as well.
