KHL press office
exclusive for khl.ru
Metallurg faces Traktor trying to return to victory!
Tonight’s highly anticipated matchup between Metallurg and Traktor, known as the Southern Urals Derby, promises to be a thrilling encounter. Metallurg, despite suffering back-to-back losses, remains perched at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. On the other hand, Traktor has faced challenges since parting ways with head coach Aivar Gatiyatullin. Currently hovering on the fringes of the top eight playoff spots, they aim to climb higher by accumulating valuable points for their postseason aspirations. Adding an extra layer of intrigue is Traktor’s earlier victory over Metallurg with a 2:1 scoreline this season, showcasing their potential to upset the league leaders once more.
Another two games are scheduled in the Western Conference. Severstal will host Lada, while Kunlun Red Star welcomes SKA. The Dragons are yet to record a home win against St. Petersburg at the KHL level.
17:00: Metallurg (14-5-4, 1st E) vs Traktor (10-10-2, 8th E)
About the game
Metallurg ends a two-game home series and lost its previous couple of matches.
Traktor, who has already defeated Metallurg this season (2:1), ends a two-game road trip and lost to Neftekhimik on Monday (1:2).
Traktor’s forward Vladimir Tkachyov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points over that span.
Injury list
Metallurg: Jean Sebastian Dea, Vladislav Yeryomenko.
Traktor: Anton Burdasov, Andrei Chibisov, Vladimir Zharkov.
19:30: Severstal (8-8-3, 9th W) vs Lada (11-7-5, 5th E)
About the game
Severstal ends a two-game home series and lost its previous couple of matches.
Lada ends a two-game road trip following a loss to Dynamo Moscow on Monday (4:5 OT).
Severstal’s forward Kirill Pilipenko is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that span.
Severstal’s forward Nikita Korostelyov is also on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (3+1) points.
Lada’s forward Andrei Altybarmakyan is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (1+4) points.
Injury list
Severstal: Nikita Guslistov, Yegor Stepanov, Daniil Vovchenko, Alexander Zhabreyev.
Lada: Pavel Koltygin, Nikita Popugayev.
19:30: Kunlun Red Star (7-14-3, 10th W) vs SKA (11-9-0, 7th W)
About the game
Kunlun Red Star ends a two-game home series following a loss to Barys on Sunday (2:3 SO).
SKA, who has already defeated Kunlun this season (6:2), enters the third game of a four-match road trip following a win over Lokomotiv on Monday (3:2).
SKA’s goalie Artemy Pleshkov is on a 61:27 shutout streak.
Injury list
Kunlun Red Star: Corey Kane, Alexander Lazushin, Austin Wong.
SKA: Stepan Falkovsky, Marat Khairullin, Brendan Leipsic, Andrei Pedan.
Milestone alert
Kunlun Red Star’s forward Teemu Pulkkinen may tally his 100th KHL goal (currently at 99).
SKA’s defenseman Artyom Sergeyev lines up for his 500th KHL appearance.
SKA’s defenseman Alexander Nikishin may reach 100 league points (currently at 99).
