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Avangard, Metallurg trying to stretch winning streaks!
The KHL start had some interesting dynamics in its start, with several teams enjoying success and others still seeking their first win. At both ends of the spectrum are Avangard and Metallurg, with Neftekhimik and Barys still without any victory in the new season. Magnitka lost its first official match, but then rebounded back and soared up in the standings with three consecutive wins. They will seek a fourth one as they travel to Ufa to end a five-game road trip.
On its turn, Avangard is yet to lose this season – the Hawks grabbed wins in the first three games and they tonight face a struggling Amur side with the top offensive duo of Igor Geraskin and Ryan Spooner in excellent shape. Moreover, history is on Avangard’s side, as the Hawks have won their latest nine home games against the Tigers.
Another struggling side is Neftekhimik. The Tatarstan franchise lost its first three games of the 2023-2024 campaign, and the team host Avtomobilist tonight. The Motormen are currently leading the Eastern Conference (tied with Magnitka) and they have just thumped Sibir 6:1 at their new arena with a hat-trick coming from veteran forward Alexei Makeyev.
In the Western Conference, Lokomotiv hosts HC Sochi following two consecutive victories, while Dynamo Moscow welcomes Barys. The Kazakhs are yet to collect their first win this season, as they lost their four starting games. Five games are on tap today as the KHL matchday will promise emotions and plenty of action!
16:30 Avangard (3-0-0) vs Amur (1-3-0)
About the game
Avangard enters the fourth game of a six-match road trip and won its previous three games.
Amur enters the fifth game of a six-match road trip and is on a three-game losing streak.
Avangard’s forward Ryan Spooner is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (2+3) points over that span.
Avangard’s forward Igor Geraskin is on a five-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points.
Amur’s forward Alexander Khokhlachyov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (3+1) points.
Injury list
Avangard: Semyon Chistyakov, Valentin Pyanov.
Amur: Igor Bobkov, Alex Broadhurst, Anatoly Nikontsev.
Milestone alert
Avangard’s forward Igor Geraskin may reach 100 career assists (currently at 99).
Amur’s defenseman Yakov Rylov may score his 250th point in the KHL (currently at 249).
17:00 Salavat Yulaev (2-1-0) vs Metallurg (3-0-1)
Salavat Yulaev starts a five-game home series fresh off a win over Lada on Wednesday (2:5).
Metallurg ends a five-game road trip and is on a three-match winning streak.
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Sergei Shmelyov and Metallurg’s forward Danila Yurov are on an identical three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points over that span.
Metallurg’s forward Yegor Korobkin had an assist in each of his latest three games.
Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Danil Alalykin, Daniil Ogirchuk.
19:00 Neftekhimik (0-2-1) vs Avtomobilist (3-0-1)
About the game
Neftekhimik ends a four-game home series and is on a three-game losing streak.
Avtomobilist ends a three-game road trip and defeated Avtomobilist (6:1) on Saturday.
Avtomobilist’s forward Stephane Da Costa is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points over that span.
Avtomobilist’s forward Anatoly Golyshev is also on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points.
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Sergei Popov.
Avtomobilist: Nick Ebert.
Milestone alert
Neftekhimik’s forward Bulat Shafigulin celebrates 200 KHL appearances tonight.
Avtomobilist’s Alexei Byvaltsev may reach 200 points in the KHL (currently at 199).
Avtomobilist’s defenseman Yefim Gurkin may score his 100th league assist (currently at 99).
19:00 Lokomotiv (2-1-0) vs HC Sochi (1-3-0)
About the game
Lokomotiv enters the fourth game of a five-match home series and won its latest couple of games.
HC Sochi enters the fifth game of a six-match road trip following a loss to Dynamo Moscow on Saturday (0:4).
The Railwaymen have won their latest nine home games against Sochi.
Milestone alert
HC Sochi’s Borna Rendulic and Maxim Tretyak may line up for their 100th game in the league.
19:30 Dynamo Moscow (2-2-0) vs Barys (0-2-2)
About the game
Dynamo Moscow ends a five-game home series and defeated HC Sochi on Saturday (4:0).
Barys ends a three-game road trip and is on a four-match losing streak.
Dynamo Moscow’s goalie Ilya Konovalov is on a 93:51 shutout streak.
Barys’ goalie Andrei Shutov is on a 65:00 shutout streak.
Dynamo Moscow’s forward Nikita Gusev is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that span.
Injury list
Barys: Kirill Savitsky
