Neftekhimik hosts Avtomobilist, Da Costa eyes 450th point

Only one game is on tap today as Neftekhimik is sensationally the third seed in the Eastern Conference and has a chance to overcome the Motormen in second place—only one point divides the two sides in the standings.

The Wolves will be looking for yet another win today to aim at second place in the East – that would be an incredible achievement for Neftekhimik, even if the season is still young. The Wolves have only one regulation win in the last five games, but they consistently gained precious points and their placement in the standings is a favorable one. However, Neftekhimik and Avtomobilist have already met once this season, on Sept. 24, one month ago, with the Motormen grabbing a hard-fought, 2:1 win. Defenseman Nick Ebert scored the game-winner in the second period, while Evgeny Alikin stopped 26 shots to record his fourth win of the season. Avtomobilist won three games of their latest five, most recently suffering from a home loss to Dynamo Moscow. However, the Motormen today start a new short road trip, and they will try to have a good beginning in Nizhnekamsk. Moreover, the game may mark an important milestone for Stephane Da Costa. If the Avtomobilist forward reaches 450 points today, he’ll be the third import player to ever do so, following Canada’s Nigel Dawes and Matt Ellison.

17:00: Neftekhimik (8-7-5, 3^rd E) vs Avtomobilist (10-5-2, 2^nd E)

About the game

Neftekhimik enters the third game of a four-match home series following a win over HC Sochi on Thursday (2:1).

Avtomobilist, who defeated Neftekhimik earlier this season (2:1), starts a two-game road trip after a loss to Dynamo Moscow on Wednesday (1:2).

Avtomobilist’s forward Nick Merkley had an assist in each of his previous three games.

Injury list

Neftekhimik: Roman Abrosimov, Vladimir Bryukvin, Alexander Dergachyov, Jean-Sebastien Dea.

Avtomobilist: Daniil Karpovich, Stepan Khripunov, Denis Romantsev, Curtis Valk.

Milestone alert

Avtomobilist’s forward Stephane Da Costa may reach 450 KHL points (currently at 448).