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Eastern rivalry renewed: Metallurg hosts Avangard in a fresh chapter
As Metallurg and Avangard clash in their third Eastern Conference showdown of the season, the stage is set for a fierce battle in Magnitogorsk. Meanwhile, Dynamo Moscow looks to extend its streak against Lokomotiv, and Dinamo Minsk aims to fend off Traktor’s high-powered offense in a pivotal Western Conference duel. Three games, one in the East and two in the West, are on tap on a light KHL Tuesday.
The most anticipated game of the matchday is Avangard facing Metallurg. The third round of the Eastern classic matchup will take place in Magnitogorsk. So far this season, the matchups between Metallurg and Avangard have been won by the home teams. On Oct. 12, Metallurg triumphed on their home ice with a 4:2 victory, while two weeks later in Omsk, Avangard prevailed 3:2 in extra time. Over the past month, Avangard has significantly revamped its roster, making this encounter feel like a fresh start for the rivalry. Moreover, the Hawks returned to playoff places, being now on the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference after two straight wins and three victories in the last five matches. Magnitka has three wins in its last four matches.
The action then moves to the Western Conference for two games. In Moscow, Dynamo faces Lokomotiv as the Blue-and-Whites are on a five-game winning streak, showing an excellent shape. The Railwaymen lost some ground with a home defeat to Torpedo (0:3), but are still firmly on the top of the Western standings with a significant gap over Spartak. In their previous encounter this season, Lokomotiv celebrated a 4:3 OT victory.
In Belarus, Dinamo Minsk welcomes Traktor. The Bisons lost their last two games, and will be on the lookout for a win as they end a homestand tonight, trying to please the home crowd. Traktor starts a four-game road trip after a surprising loss to Kunlun Red Star on Saturday (1:4), following a win over CSKA (5:2) on Thursday. In the standings, Dinamo Minsk keeps his spot in the playoff places, while Traktor is still leading the Eastern Conference with a three-point gap over Avtomobilist. The Chelyabinsk side is also the third top-scoring team in the league, trailing only SKA and Torpedo.
17:00: Metallurg (16-14-1, 5th E) vs Avangard (12-14-2, 8th E)
About the game
Metallurg is in the middle of a three-game home series and defeated Sibir on Sunday (3:1).
Avangard is in the middle of a three-game road trip and won its previous couple of matches.
The season series between the two teams is 1-1 (4:2, 2:3 OT).
Injury list
Avangard: Mikhail Berdin, Sergei Boikov, Alex Grant, Vladimir Tkachyov.
Milestone alert
Metallurg’s forward Daniil Vovchenko may score his 250th KHL point (currently at 249).
19:30: Dynamo Moscow (18-8-3, 3rd W) vs Lokomotiv (25-4-2, 1st W)
About the game
Dynamo Moscow starts a two-game home series on a five-match winning streak.
Lokomotiv, who defeated Dynamo Moscow earlier this season (4:3 SO), plays the lone road game of the series after a home loss to Torpedo on Saturday (0:3).
Dynamo Moscow’s forward Maxime Comtois is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points over that span.
Milestone alert
Dynamo Moscow’s defenseman Artyom Sergeyev may reach 100 league points (currently at 99).
19:30: Dinamo Minsk (15-12-3, 8th W) vs Traktor (19-6-4, 1st E)
About the game
Dinamo Minsk ends a three-game home series after two straight losses.
Traktor starts a four-game road trip following a loss to Kunlun Red Star on Saturday (1:4).
Dinamo Minsk is on a three-game scoring streak, with 6 (1+5) points over that span.
Injury list
Dinamo Minsk: Daniil Sotishvili.
