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Two games on tap tonight!
Today’s clash between CSKA, the reigning Gagarin Cup champion, and Neftekhimik is a pivotal moment for the Muscovites. Despite their recent losing streak that saw them tumble to 7th place in the western standings, CSKA remains a formidable force. Having already achieved a win over Neftekhimik earlier in the season, the Muscovites are eager to reclaim their dominance. Remarkably, CSKA’s last home loss to Neftekhimik dates back to 2010, highlighting their historical superiority. On the other side, the Wolves are facing their own challenges with two consecutive losses, allowing Amur to overtake them in the standings. As the puck drops tonight, both teams will be hungry for redemption.
In the second game of the day, HC Sochi and Vityaz go head-to-head, both desperate for points to improve their standings. Despite Sochi’s favorable position in the rankings, a concerning seven-game losing streak has seen them slip to 9th place, just shy of the playoff line. Tonight, they aim to reverse their fortunes and reignite their postseason aspirations. Artur Tyanulin, Sochi’s standout player, enters the game on a four-game scoring streak, showcasing his offensive prowess – the Moscow Region franchise should be aware of his chemistry with Matvei Michkov. Vityaz, positioned at the bottom of the Western Conference, is also on the hunt for crucial points. Derek Barach, with an impressive four-point performance in Vityaz’s last game, poses a threat that Sochi must be wary of.
19:30: HC Sochi (12-15-2, 9th W) vs Vityaz (8-17-4, 11th W)
About the game
HC Sochi starts a four-game home series on a seven-game losing streak.
Vityaz starts a five-game road trip fresh off a win over Severstal on Saturday (5:3).
HC Sochi’s forward Artur Tyanulin is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points over that span.
Injury list
HC Sochi: Michal Kristof.
Vityaz: Kirill Ustimenko.
Milestone alert
Vityaz’s goalie Dmitry Shikin may record his 10th league shutout.
19:30: CSKA (14-12-2, 7th W) vs Neftekhimik (12-12-5, 9th E)
About the game
CSKA, who has already defeated Neftekhimik this season (5:1), enters the fourth game of a five-match home series on a three-game losing streak.
Neftekhimik ends a two-game road trip and lost its previous couple of matches.
Neftekhimik’s last win in Moscow against CSKA is dated Sep 25, 2010 (2:0).
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Emil Garipov.
