On the other hand, Metallurg seems to have survived their shocking defeat to Salavat Yulaev on Oct 17 after a 14-game winning streak and won both its next games - albeit necessitating extra-time on both occasions. On Thursday, after defeating Dinamo Riga 5:4 SO on Tuesday, Magnitka was down 0:3 in Helsinki. Still, they resisted and ultimately defeated the Jokers 5:4 after an OT tally by d-man Linus Hultstrom. Moreover, Ilya Vorobyov will have the luxury of counting on his full roster. In contrast, his colleague Andrei Nazarov will have to deal with a lengthy injury list - eight men are out for tonight's showdown.
About the game
HC Sochi ends a three-game home series and lost its previous three matches.
Metallurg ends a three-game road trip and is on a two-match winning streak.
Metallurg's defenseman Linus Hultstrom is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (3+2) points over that span.
Injury list
HC Sochi: Martin Bakos, Janis Jaks, JC Lipon, David Rundblad, Nikita Tochitsky, Denis Vikharev, Bogdan Yakimov, Alexander Zhabreyev
Milestone alert
Metallurg's goalie Vasily Koshechkin may become the first goalie to break the 350-win barrier (currently at 349).