Torpedo trying to stop its skid on home game against Loko!
In today’s clash between Torpedo and Lokomotiv, anticipation runs high as these two teams meet for the third time this season. The previous encounters saw each team securing a victory, with Torpedo prevailing 5:2 in the first meeting and Lokomotiv responding with a 1:0 win in the second. Currently, they stand at 4th and 3rd place in the Western Conference, respectively, making this game crucial for their standings. A notable milestone adds to the intrigue as Lokomotiv’s defenseman Andrei Sergeyev celebrates his 700th KHL game. The teams enter the match with differing recent performances, with Torpedo looking to bounce back after three consecutive losses and Lokomotiv aiming to extend its three-game winning streak. The outcome of this encounter will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the Western Conference standings.
Earlier on, in the Eastern Conference, Avangard hosts Vityaz as bench boss Dmitry Ryabykin faces the Hawks again. With Ryabykin behind the bench, Vityaz recorded a win over Avangard in their first meeting of the season – it won’t be easy today for the Moscow Region team as the Omsk team is in much better shape now, but nothing should be given for granted. Avangard just ended a long winning streak, and the team will try to rebound back and start a new series.
In the closing game of the KHL matchday, CSKA hosts Dinamo Minsk. The Gagarin Cup champion has already blanked the Belarusians this season, and they will be on the lookout for another victory. However, Dinamo will fight hard as they need points to stay on the right side of the playoffs line.
16:30: Avangard (22-9-3, 2nd E) vs Vityaz (13-19,4, 11th E)
About the game
Avangard starts a seven-game home series following a loss to Salavat Yulaev on Thursday (1:3).
Vityaz, who has already defeated Avangard this season (5:2), is in the middle of a three-game road trip and defeated Barys on Monday (5:2).
Avangard’s forward Vladimir Tkachyov is on a twelve-game scoring streak, with 24 (6+18) points over that span.
Avangard’s forward Ryan Boucher is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (3+3) points.
Avangard’s defenseman Damir Sharipzyanov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (1+2) points.
Vityaz’s forward Scott Wilson is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (4+2) points.
Vityaz’s forward Alexander Daryin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points.
Milestone alert
Vityaz’s goalie Dmitry Shikin may record his 10th KHL shutout.
19:00: Torpedo (20-13-3, 4th W) vs Lokomotiv (22-10-2, 3rd W)
About the game
Torpedo starts a two-game home series on a three-game losing streak.
Lokomotiv enters the second game of a four-match road trip following three straight wins.
The teams have already defeated each other this season (5:2, 0:1).
Torpedo’s forward Vasily Atanasov is on a five-game scoring streak, with 5 (3+2) points over that span.
Injury list
Torpedo: Sergei Goncharuk, Kirill Kirsanov, Igor Larionov, Bobby Lynch, Yu Sato.
Lokomotiv: Yegor Averin, Yaroslav Likhachyov.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s goalie Ivan Bocharov may record his 30th KHL shutout.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Andrei Sergeyev lines up for his 700th KHL match.
19:30: CSKA (19-14-2, 6th W) vs Dinamo Minsk (15-15-4, 8th W)
About the game
CSKA, who has already defeated Dinamo Minsk this season (4:0), ends a two-game home series and lost to Lokomotiv on Monday (2:3).
Dinamo Minsk starts a four-game road trip on a two-match losing streak.
CSKA’s forward Andrei Svetlakov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that span.
Injury list
Dinamo Minsk: Alexander Suvorov.
