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Playoffs: Avtomobilist’s climb, Neftekhimik’s challenge, and a key western clash
Today features three exciting matchups across the KHL. The action begins in Yekaterinburg, where Avtomobilist looks to build on its first win at the new UGMK Arena as it hosts struggling HC Sochi. In Togliatti, Neftekhimik faces a must-win game against Lada to keep its playoff hopes alive. A loss would not only hurt their chances but also secure Admiral’s postseason spot. The day wraps up in Moscow, where Spartak and Severstal battle for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. With crucial points on the line, every game carries significant stakes.
The matchday starts with Avtomobilist taking on HC Sochi. The Motormen finally secured their first victory at the brand-new UMMC Arena, edging out Torpedo in a hard-fought battle on Thursday. Danil Romantsev netted the game-winner with just eight seconds left in regulation, sealing a 2:1 triumph. That win brought Avtomobilist one step closer to a top-four finish, giving them a one-point edge over fifth-placed Ak Bars with a game in hand. Today’s opponent, HC Sochi, is on an eight-game losing streak and remains at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
The action continues in Togliatti, where Lada welcomes Neftekhimik. It’ll be a key game for the Wolves. Not only would a loss almost certainly mean losing any postseason hope, but it will also send Admiral to the playoffs. Neftekhimik is currently riding a three-game winning streak, achieving victories over Admiral (3:2), Dynamo Moscow (4:3), and Lokomotiv (2:1 SO). Lada has instead lost its previous couple of matches, to Traktor (0:6) and Spartak (2:4), respectively. The Wolves are at five points to the playoff line, with a game in hand if compared to eighth-placed Sibir, while Lada sits in tenth position, out of postseason contention.
For the last game of the day, the action moves to Moscow, with Spartak welcoming Severstal. It will be the fourth game of the season between the two sides, with the Steelers taking two – both with a two-goal advantage. With both teams already having a playoff berth, the struggle is now for positioning. The Red-and-Whites slipped down to fifth place in the Western Conference, but won twice in a row, against Lada (4:2) and Ak Bars (5:3), following several straight defeats. Severstal has only two wins in its last five matches, celebrating a 5:4 victory over Dinamo Minsk on Thursday. The Steelers are currently the seventh seed in the West. Considering the teams’ offensive style and the past meetings, fans can expect several goals.
15:00: Avtomobilist (38-19-7, vs HC Sochi (19-38-7, 11th W)
About the game
Avtomobilist, who defeated HC Sochi earlier this season (2:1), enters the third game of a six-match home series following a win over Torpedo on Thursday (2:1).
HC Sochi enters the second game of a four-match road trip on an eight-game losing streak.
Injury list
Avtomobilist: Jesse Blacker, Anatoly Golyshev, Curtis Valk.
HC Sochi: Sergei Ivanov.
Milestone alert
Avtomobilist’s defenseman Nick Ebert and forward Nick Merkley may each score their 100th point in the league (both currently at 99).
HC Sochi’s forward Artur Tyanulin may line up for his 200th league appearance.
16:00: Lada (21-35-8, 10th E) vs Neftekhimik (22-25-17, 9th E)
About the game
Lada enters the fourth game of a six-match home series on a two-game losing streak.
Neftekhimik is in the middle of a three-game road trip and won its previous three matches.
The season series between the two teams is 2-3 (5:4 SO, 2:3 SO, 3:0, 2:4, 3:4).
Injury list
Lada: Vladislav Chervonenko, Nikolai Demidov, Maxim Groshev, Artyom Ivanyuzhenkov, Pavel Koltygin.
Neftekhimik: Roman Abrosimov, Alexander Dergachyov, Yegor Korbit, Fyodor Kroshchinsky, Luka Profaca.
Milestone alert
Neftekhimik’s forward Vyacheslav Leshchenko may score his 100th KHL goal (currently at 99).
16:00: Spartak (36-19-9, 5th W) vs Severstal (38-25-1, 7th W)
About the game
Spartak starts a four-game home series on a two-match winning streak.
Severstal starts a three-game road trip fresh off a win over Dinamo Minsk
The season series between the two teams is 1-2 (4:1, 3:5, 6:8).
Injury list
Severstal: Yaroslav Dyblenko.
Milestone alert
Spartak’s defenseman Andrei Mironov may reach 200 KHL points (currently at 198).
Spartak’s goalies Dmitry Nikolayev and Artyom Zagidulin may each record their 10th KHL shutout.
Severstal’s forward Kirill Pilipenko may reach 100 KHL assists (currently 99).
