KHL press office
exclusive for khl.ru
Traktor hosts Ak Bars today!
Traktor and Ak Bars have already met twice this season, exchanging victories (3:5, 2:1). Both teams approach the upcoming match in good spirits. The Chelyabinsk side is on a five-game winning streak, with their latest victory in the Ural derby against Automobilist (2:1 OT). Ak Bars has two consecutive victories, with a combined score of 7:1 in the showdowns against Barys and Sibir. The gap between the teams in the Eastern Conference standings is just two points despite the fact that three spots separate them. The participation of top scorer Vadim Shipachyov in the upcoming game is uncertain, as the forward missed the two previous matches for Ak Bars, recovering from an injury.
15:00: Traktor (33-19-6, 4th E) vs Ak Bars (34-21-2, 7th E)
About the game
Traktor ends a two-game home series on a five-game winning streak.
Ak Bars ends a five-game road trip following two straight victories.
The teams have already defeated each other twice this season (3:5, 2:1).
Traktor’s forward Maxim Shabanov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that span.
Traktor’s forward Vladimir Tkachyov had at least an assist in each of his previous three games, totaling five helpers.
Ak Bars’ goalie Amir Miftakhov is on a 100:14 shutout streak.
Ak Bars’ forward Semyon Koshelev is on a four-game scoring streak, with 7 (2+5) points.
Injury list
Traktor: Andrei Chibisov.
Ak Bars: Dmitrij Jaskin.
Milestone alert
Traktor’s defenseman Artyom Blazhiyevsky lines up for his 500th KHL game, while defenseman Ilya Nikolayev reaches 100.
Traktor’s forward Nikita Soshnikov may score his 100th KHL assist (currently at 99).
Ak Bars’ forward Artyom Lukoyanov may reach 200 league points (currently at 199).
