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Fifth encounter between Lokomotiv and CSKA, SKA visits Torpedo!
Today the stakes are high when Lokomotiv hosts CSKA as the game marks the fifth encounter between the two teams this year, with the series currently tied at 2-2. CSKA enters the game seeking redemption after suffering two consecutive losses, including a setback against archrival SKA. On the other hand, the Railwaymen boasts a strong record with four victories in its last five games, showcasing their momentum and determination.
The matchup holds added significance as both teams jockey for favorable positions in the Western Conference standings. Currently, Lokomotiv occupies the third spot, while CSKA sits in the sixth position.
Another exciting matchup sees Torpedo hosting SKA. At the beginning of the second part of the championship, the teams—direct rivals in the battle for a top-4 spot in the Western Conference—square off. Both Torpedo and SKA prioritize offensive efficiency, as the fans can easily when the Nizhny Novgorod and St. Petersburg systems clash on the ice.
The first match in Nizhny Novgorod ended with a 4:3 score, while in St. Petersburg, SKA sought revenge after SO—again, with a score of 4:3. There are no indications that the teams will deviate from their philosophies and adopt a more defensive style of play.
The KHL matchday will start however in the East, with Sibir and Ak Bars clashing again after Sibir won the first round earlier in the season. In Kazakhstan, Barys and HC Sochi will try to return to victory as both teams are on a long losing streak that got them losing points and places in the standings. Dynamo Moscow travels to Nizhnekamsk trying to stretch its winning streak in the matchday’s last game.
13:30: Sibir (19-17-7, 8th E) vs Ak Bars (24-16-2, 5th E)
About the game
Sibir, who has already defeated Ak Bars this season (3:2 OT), starts a five-game home series following a loss to Lada on Thursday (1:4).
Ak Bars ends a five-game road trip and lost to Avtomobilist also on Thursday (1:2).
Sibir’s forward Vladimir Butuzov is on a five-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points over that span.
Injury list
Ak Bars: Dmitrij Jaskin.
Milestone alert
Sibir’s forward Taylor Beck may score his 300th league point, while Vladimir Butuzov may reach 200 (currently at 298 and 198, respectively).
14:00: Barys (12-23-7, 12th E) vs HC Sochi (14-24-4, 10th W)
About the game
Barys, who has already defeated HC Sochi this season, (5:3), starts a three-game home series on a four-match losing streak.
HC Sochi ends a five-game road trip and lost its previous six matches. Its last win in Astana is dated back to Dec 29, 2017 (3:2).
Barys’ defenseman David Sklenicka had an assist in each of his previous three games.
Injury list
Barys: Alex Grant.
Milestone alert
Barys’ forward Dmitry Gurkov lines up for his 200th league appearance.
17:00: Neftekhimik (15-18-8, 10th E) vs Dynamo Moscow (28-10-4, 2nd W)
About the game
Neftekhimik ends a two-game home series following a win over Barys on Thursday (3:2).
Dynamo Moscow plays the lone road game of the series and won its previous three matches.
Dynamo Moscow’s forward Nikita Gusev is on a ten-game scoring streak, with 16 (4+12) points over that span.
Dynamo Moscow’s defenseman Brennan Menell is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (1+5) points.
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Emil Garipov, Ilya Khokhlov, Nikita Petrishchev, Nail Yakupov.
Dynamo Moscow: Yegor Bryzgalov, Maxim Dzhioshvili.
Milestone alert
Dynamo Moscow’s defenseman Andrei Pribylsky lines up for his 100th KHL game.
17:00: Torpedo (25-14-3, 5th W) vs SKA (27-13-1, 4th W)
About the game
Torpedo starts a five-game home series fresh off a win over Severstal on Thursday (1:3).
SKA starts a three-game road trip on a three-match winning streak.
Both teams have defeated each other this season (4:3, 3:4 SO).
SKA’s forward Marat Khairullin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 9 (3+6) points over that span.
SKA’s forward Borna Rendulic is on a four-game scoring streak, with 5 (3+2) points.
Injury list
Torpedo: Kirill Kirsanov.
SKA: Vadim Alistrov, Brendan Leipsic, Andrei Pedan.
Milestone alert
Torpedo’s forward Vladislav Firstov lines up for his 100th KHL game.
17:00: Lokomotiv (26-11-3, 3rd W) vs CSKA (22-17-2, 6th W)
About the game
Lokomotiv ends a four-game home series following a win over Vityaz on Thursday (5:2).
CSKA ends a six-game road trip and lost its previous couple of matches.
The teams have defeated each other twice this season (2:1, 1:2, 0:3, 3:2).
Injury list
Lokomotiv: Yegor Averin.
CSKA: Darren Dietz, Maxim Sorkin.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s forward Georgy Ivanov may score his 100th KHL goal.
Lokomotiv’s goalie Ivan Bocharov may reach 30 KHL shutouts.
