Sibir and Dinamo Minsk battle it out in today's sole matchup!

As the playoffs approach, every point is crucial for both teams as they fight to improve their standings. Currently, Sibir is ranked fifth in the East, having previously been as high as third. Meanwhile, Dinamo Minsk has recently returned to the top of the playoffs line after winning two consecutive road games, aided by Severstal’s loss in Nizhnekamsk the previous night.

However, the Belarusians will be without key defenseman Shaun Lalonde tonight, as he serves a one-game ban following a fight and a consequent five-minute major during Thursday’s win in Khabarovsk. Several players on the Dinamo Minsk lineup are currently on scoring streaks, indicating that the Belarusian side is in good form. However, Sibir will have the support of its home crowd as it strives for its third consecutive victory.

13:30: Sibir (28-17-3, 5^th E) vs Dinamo Minsk (19-20-9, 8^th W)

About the game

Sibir will be starting the fourth match of a five-game home series, coming off a two-game winning streak.

Dinamo Minsk ends a three-game road trip and won its previous couple of matches.

Sibir has already defeated Dinamo Minsk this season (2:1 OT).

Dinamo Minsk’s forward Ryan Spooner is on a five-game scoring streak, with 7 (1+6) points over that span.

Dinamo Minsk’s defenseman Joseph Duszak is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points.

Dinamo Minsk’s forward Ryan Merkeley is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points.

Dinamo Minsk’s forward Brendan Kozun is on a five-game scoring streak, with 7 (3+4) points.

Injury list

Sibir: Vyacheslav Litovchenko.

Dinamo Minsk: Denis Mosalyov, Sergei Sapego.

Disqualifications

Dinamo Minsk’s defenseman Shaun Lalonde serves a one-game ban. 

Milestone alert

Sibir’s forward Valentin Pyanov may reach 100 KHL assists (currently at 99).