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Lada faces Spartak, Magnitka hosts Ak Bars!
Tonight’s game between Lada and Spartak promises to be a riveting battle at the summit, as both teams, leading their respective conferences, vie for supremacy. The clash is expected to be high-octane, given the winning streaks of both squads; Lada securing victories in its last two games and Spartak on a three-game winning streak. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two powerhouses this year, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest. Sergei Shumakov of Lada has the potential to achieve a milestone, as he eyes his 300th KHL point, while Spartak’s Andrei Loktionov aims for his 250th. Despite several key players enjoying scoring streaks, Lada faces a setback with the absence of one of its leaders, Scott Kosmachuk, currently sidelined due to injury.
Then, in the clash between Metallurg and Ak Bars, fans can anticipate a classic Russian hockey showdown that never fails to deliver excitement. Metallurg enters the game on a high note, securing victories in its last three matchups. On the other side, Ak Bars is looking to bounce back after a recent loss to Lada, having won three of its last five games. With both teams poised to capitalize on a potential stumble by Lada against Spartak, tonight’s matchup carries significant implications for the standings.
In the closing game of a light KHL matchday, SKA hosts Neftekhimik. On Thursday, the St. Petersburg side had a literally last gasp win over Traktor (4:3 OT) as the team is trying to stay up the playoffs line for now. Neftekhimik has instead lost to Spartak.
14:30: Lada (17-8-5, 1st E) vs Spartak (20-7-2, 1st W)
About the game
Lada ends a two-game home series and won its previous couple of matches.
Spartak ends a two-game road trip and won its previous three matches.
Lada’s forward Sergei Shumakov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 5 (4+1) points over that span.
Spartak’s forward Nikolai Goldobin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (1+4) points.
Spartak’s forward Pavel Poryadin had at least a goal in each of his previous three games, totaling four tallies.
Spartak’s defenseman Michal Cajkovsky had an assist in each of his previous three games.
Injury list
Lada: Andrei Altybarmakyan, Pavel Koltygin, Scott Kosmachuk, Nikita Popugayev, Nikolai Vladimirov.
Spartak: German Rubtsov, Ilya Talaluyev, Daniel Usmanov.
Milestone alert
Lada’s forward Sergei Shumakov may score his 300th KHL point (currently at 299), while Spartak’s forward Andrei Loktionov may reach 250 (currently at 249).
15:00: Metallurg (17-8-4, 2nd E) vs Ak Bars (18-8-2, 3rd E)
About the game
Metallurg ends a four-game home series and won its previous three matches.
Ak Bars ends a three-game road trip and lost to Lada on Thursday (2:3).
Metallurg’s forward Luke Johnson is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that span.
Ak Bars’ forward Kirill Semyonov is also on a four-game scoring streak, with 5 (1+4) points.
Injury list
Metallurg: Jean-Sebastian Dea, Danila Kvartalnov, Vladislav Yeryomenko.
Ak Bars: Dmitry Bykov, Amir Miftakhov, Sergei Terekhov.
Milestone alert
Metallurg’s forward Maxim Karpov may record his 200th KHL assist (currently at 199).
Ak Bars’ forward Vadim Shipachyov may score his 900th league point (currently at 899).
17:00: SKA (14-13-0, 8th W) vs Neftekhimik (12-11-5, 8th W)
About the game
SKA ends a two-game home series after a win over Traktor on Thursday (4:3 OT).
Neftekhimik, who has already defeated SKA this season (2:0), starts a two-game road trip and lost to Spartak also on Thursday.
SKA’s goalie Pavel Moisevich is on a 131:55 shutout streak.
SKA’s forward Sergei Tolchinsky is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points over that span.
SKA’s forward Dmitry Sokolov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points.
Injury list
SKA: Zakhar Bardakov, Brendan Leipsic, Andrei Pedan.
Neftekhimik: Emil Garipov.
