KHL press office
exclusive for khl.ru
Light matchday brings key playoff qualification battles to the ice
With just three games on the schedule, today’s KHL action promises intense battles to qualify for the postseason. The day begins with Salavat Yulaev hosting Sibir in their third matchup of the season, as the Novosibirsk side looks to secure its 500th KHL win. In the East, Neftekhimik takes on Avangard, aiming to end a five-game skid and stay in the playoff hunt. Meanwhile, the Western Conference features Torpedo against Dinamo Minsk, both teams fighting for crucial postseason positioning.
The matchday kicks off with Salavat Yulaev hosting Sibir. It’s the third meeting between the two sides this season, with the Ufa team taking both matches so far. Moreover, Salavat Yulaev is on a four-win run and has both goalies on active shutout streaks. However, Sibir has good reasons to seek a win. First and foremost, the playoff hunt is going on, with the Novosibirsk side being the eighth seed in the East, tied with Neftekhimik (ninth) at 37 points. Then, Sibir may celebrate today its 500th KHL win.
Then, Neftekhimik continues its playoff push and remote battle with Sibir facing Avangard, seeking a return to victory after five straight defeats. The Hawks are currently the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, thus will also want to achieve a win to solidify their postseason positioning. Avangard defeated Neftekhimik three times this season and will be on the lookout for a fourth win in the series. Both teams are at their first game in 2025.
Another key playoff battle is scheduled in the Western Conference, with Torpedo facing Dinamo Minsk in its first game in 2025. It’s the third encounter between the two sides in the season, with the teams trading wins so far. The Bisons are in excellent shape, with three straight wins, against Lokomotiv (4:1), Dynamo Moscow (1:0), and Ak Bars (5:1), while Torpedo has only won once in its last five matches, against Barys (3:1). Today, Igor Larionov’s team will seek a return to victory, while Dinamo Minsk will try to cement its position in the West.
14:30: Salavat Yulaev (27-10-2, 1st E) vs Sibir (17-18-3, 8th E)
About the game
Salavat Yulaev ends a five-game home series on a four-match winning streak.
Sibir is in the middle of a seven-game road trip and also on a four-game winning streak.
The season series between the two teams is 2-0 (3:2 SO, 3:1).
Salavat Yulaev’s goalie Semyon Vyazyoi is on a 142:13 shutout streak.
Salavat Yulaev’s goalie Alexander Samonov is on a 77:21 shutout streak.
Injury list
Salavat Yulaev: Gleb Kuzmin.
Sibir: Fyodor Gordeyev.
Milestone alert
Sibir’s goalie Denis Kostin may reach his 50th KHL win.
Sibir can celebrate its 500th win in KHL history.
17:00: Neftekhimik (13-16-11, 9th E) vs Avangard (18-18-3, 7th E)
About the game
Neftekhimik is in the middle of a five-game home series and lost its previous five matches.
Avangard starts a three-game road trip following a loss to Metallurg on Dec. 30 (1:2).
The season series between the two teams is 0-3 (2:4, 2:3 OT, 3:4 OT).
Avangard’s defenseman Mikhail Gulyayev scored three goals in his previous three matches.
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Roman Abrosimov, Alexander Dergachyov, Yegor Korbit.
Avangard: Sergei Boikov, Emil Galimov, Alex Grant, Vladimir Tkachyov.
Milestone alert
Neftekhimik’s forward Vyacheslav Leshchenko may score his 100th career goal (currently at 99).
Avangard’s goalie Nikita Serebryakov may celebrate his 100th KHL win.
17:00: Torpedo (17-14-8, 8th W) vs Dinamo Minsk (22-13-5, 7th W)
Torpedo ends a four-game home series and lost to Kunlun Red Star on Dec. 30 (3:4 OT).
Dinamo Minsk plays the lone road game of the series and won its previous three matches.
The season series between the two teams is 1-1 (2:5, 2:1 OT).
Injury list
Torpedo: Mikhail Abramov, Markus Phillips.
Milestone alert
Torpedo’s forward Nikita Artamonov lines up for his 100th KHL game.
