First Green Derby of 2023 is here!
The first Green Derby of 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting matchup between two teams currently sitting close to each other in the Eastern Conference standings. Both Ak Bars and Salavat Yulaev have recorded two wins so far this season, and both teams will be eager to come out on top in this highly-anticipated derby.
One major storyline heading into this game is the return of Zinetula Bilyaletdinov as the head coach of Ak Bars. Bilyaletdinov is taking over for Oleg Znarok, and he will be looking to lead his team to victory in his first derby back at the helm.
Another key aspect of this game will be the performance of the team’s top scorers. Alex Radulov of Ak Bars and Sergei Shmelyov of Salavat Yulaev have both been on a scoring streak, and they will be crucial players to watch as the teams take to the ice.
Overall, this Green Derby promises to be an intense and competitive game, as both sides will be looking to come out on top and secure a crucial win in the Eastern standings.
But that’s certainly not the only exciting clash of today’s KHL matchday. The action starts early with another derby in the Far East, with Amur taking on Admiral for the seventh time this season. Then, Sibir hosts Neftekhimik, while Avangard faces Metallurg with all of Sibir, Magnitka, and Avangard who can potentially find themselves on the top of the standings.
Another game is scheduled in the Western Conference, with Vityaz facing HC Sochi.
12:00: Amur (21-23-6, 11th E) vs Admiral (27-19-6, 7th E)
About the game
Amur plays the lone home game of the series after a loss to SKA on Sunday (1:3).
Admiral ends a four-game road trip coming off a two-match losing streak.
The teams have traded wins equally so far this season (2:0, 3:2 OT, 5:3 – 1:3, 1:3, 0:2).
Injury list
Amur: Vasily Sredin.
Admiral: Michal Kristof, Yegor Rykov.
Milestone alert
Admiral’s forward Alexander Gorshkov may reach 200 KHL points (currently at 199).
15:30: Sibir (31-17-4, 2nd E) vs Neftekhimik (23-25-3, 9th E)
About the game
Sibir starts a three-game home series coming off a two-match winning streak.
Neftekhimik ends a three-game road trip after a loss to Avangard on Monday (0:3).
Neftekhimik has defeated Sibir twice this season (2:1 OT, 3:2), and lost once (2:3).
Sibir’s forward Alexander Sharov scored a goal in each of his previous three games.
Injury list
Sibir: Vladislav Litovchenko, Nikita Setdikov.
Neftekhimik: Emil Garipov, Maxim Goncharov.
Milestone alert
Sibir’s forward Valentin Pyanov may reach 100 assists in the KHL (currently at 99).
16:30: Avangard (30-16-4, 4th E) vs Metallurg (29-15-7, 3rd E)
About the game
Avangard enters the final game of a four-match home series following a win over Neftekhimik on Monday (3:0).
Metallurg plays the third game of a four-match road trip after defeating Salavat Yulaev also on Monday (3:2).
Avangard has defeated Metallurg twice this season so far (5:1, 3:2), and lost once (4:7).
Avangard’s goalie Vasily Demchenko is on a 100:43 shutout streak.
Avangard’s forward Sergei Tolchinsky is on a five-game scoring streak, with 8 (1+7) points over that span.
Avangard’s forward Arseny Gritsyuk scored a goal in each of his previous three games.
Injury list
Avangard: Stanislav Galimov, Nail Yakupov.
19:00: Ak Bars (27-16-8, 6th E) vs Salavat Yulaev (27-15-9, 5th E)
About the game
Ak Bars enters the third game of a four-match home series fresh off a win over Admiral on Monday (2:1 SO).
Salavat Yulaev stars a three-game road trip after a loss to Metallurg also on Monday (2:3).
The teams have traded wins equally this season so far (3:0, 2:1 SO – 2:3, 1:4).
Ak Bars’ forward Alexander Radulov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points over that span.
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Sergei Shmelyov is on a three-game scoring streak, scoring also 4 (1+3) points.
Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Josh Ho-Sang, Vladislav Kartayev, Grigory Panin.
Milestone alert
Ak Bars’ defenseman Vyacheslav Voynov lines up for his 300th KHL game.
Ak Bars’ goalie Timur Bilyalov may reach 200 KHL games and 100 wins.
Salavat Yulaev’s goalie Ilya Ezhov may celebrate his 30th KHL shutout.
19:00: Vityaz (24-19-8, 7th W) vs HC Sochi (6-35-9, 11th W)
About the game
Vityaz, who has defeated HC Sochi twice this season (6:2, 3:2), ends a two-game home series coming off a win over Traktor on Sunday (4:3 SO).
HC Sochi starts a three-game road trip after finally getting a win on Saturday, against Metallurg (3:2).
HC Sochi’s forward Sergei Popov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (3+3) points over that span
