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CSKA faces Lokomotiv, Spartak host Severstal.
Two games are on tap in Moscow on a light KHL Thursday.
CSKA against Lokomotiv is always a great matchup, and this time will be no exception. The Railwaymen head into tonight’s matchup against CSKA riding an incredible 11-game winning streak, positioning them as the league leaders and setting a high bar for their season. This is the first time the two teams will clash this season, and the game promises to be intense. Lokomotiv’s formidable defense has been a major factor in their success, with goaltender Daniil Isayev boasting an active shutout streak of 114:40 minutes having just recorded his fourth blanking this season. Despite being the seventh seed in the Western Conference, CSKA has a strong presence, coming off a recent win over Lada (4:1)
CSKA’s roster will be missing forward Yegor Afanasyev, while Lokomotiv faces two key absences in Georgy Ivanov and Pavel Kraskovsky. Veteran forward Konstantin Okulov is close to reaching a significant milestone, sitting just two points shy of 400 career points in the KHL, adding another storyline to the match. As both teams look to solidify their standings, this showdown could serve as a statement game for CSKA, while Lokomotiv aims to extend their streak and maintain its top spot.
In the other game of the matchday, Spartak faces Severstal. The Red-and-Whites, currently second in the Western Conference, come into this game aiming to bounce back from a recent loss after an otherwise solid winning streak with victories against Kunlun Red Star (5:1), CSKA (2:1), and HC Sochi (twice, 3:1, 4:0). Spartak will be focused on extending its winning form against Severstal, who sits in fourth place in the Western Conference. The Cherepovets side has recently faced two losses, to Vityaz (0:2) and Dinamo Minsk (1:3). Severstal will be eager to turn things around and secure vital points to tighten the gap between them and Spartak in the standings. With both teams eyeing playoff positioning, this clash promises a tightly contested matchup, with Spartak looking to solidify their position and the Steelers aiming to regain momentum in the conference.
19:30: Spartak (16-6-3, 2nd W) vs Severstal (15-9-0, 4th W)
About the game
Spartak enters the second game of a six-match home series following a shutout loss to Lokomotiv on Tuesday (0:2).
Severstal ends a four-game road trip on a two-match losing streak.
Injury list
Severstal: Alexander Skorenov.
Milestone alert
Spartak’s forward Alexander Pashin lines up for his 100th KHL game.
19:30: CSKA (11-5-7, 7th W) vs Lokomotiv (23-2-2, 1st W)
About the game
CSKA ends a three-game home series after defeating Lada on Monday (4:1).
Lokomotiv is in the middle of a three-game road trip and is on an incredible eleven-game winning streak.
Lokomotiv’s goalie Daniil Isayev is on a 114:40 shutout streak.
Injury list
CSKA: Yegor Afanasyev.
Lokomotiv: Georgy Ivanov, Pavel Kraskovsky.
Milestone alert
CSKA’s forward Konstantin Okulov may reach 400 career points (currently at 398).
