High stakes in Yaroslavl: Lokomotiv eyes Continent Cup, Admiral fights for playoffs
Three games on the slate, and each one carries weight. Sibir has a golden chance to secure its playoff spot, needing just a point against Barys to eliminate Neftekhimik. In Magnitogorsk, Metallurg looks to strengthen its top-four bid but faces a Vityaz team that has already beaten them this season. Over in the West, Lokomotiv can clinch the Continental Cup with a point against Admiral, while the visitors must win to lock in a postseason berth. Expect a thrilling night of hockey as the stakes reach new heights.
The matchday starts with a showdown between Sibir and Barys. The battle will be key for the home team, still fighting to book its ticket to the postseason. On Saturday, a narrow win over Torpedo kept Sibir on course for a playoff spot, with Neftekhimik further helping Sibir’s chances suffering from a 1:7 loss to Lada. This means that today Sibir can book its ticket to the playoffs, and eliminate the Wolves from contention, should the team avoid a loss in regulation to the Kazakhs today. Barys wraps up a three-game road trip and will then fly back to Astana after today’s battle.
In Magnitogorsk, Metallurg keeps on seeking a top-four finish with a home game against Vityaz. Magnitka is currently the third seed in the Eastern Conference and can increase its chances to a high finish today. However, Vityaz did defeat Metallurg earlier this season, adding a layer of uncertainty to the contest. Both sides are on active winning streaks, but Metallurg will try and at least temporarily overcome Salavat Yulaev in second place in the East’s tables.
The action then moves to the Western Conference, with a showdown between Lokomotiv and Admiral. Both teams will want to win today in Yaroslavl, and not only for obvious reasons. The Railwaymen have another shot at clinching the Continental Cup if they don’t lose to the Sailors in regulation time. However, Admiral is also set to clinch a playoff spot, and to achieve that, the Sailors need to defeat Lokomotiv in any way. It will be an exciting game to follow as the teams clash for the second time this season, with the Railwaymen claiming a 3:0 win in Vladivostok in early December. Both teams lost their last game in extra time, with Lokomotiv losing to Neftekhimik (1:2 SO), and Admiral falling to Barys (4:5 SO). Expect a tight competition as the teams face off today for a key match.
15:30: Sibir (28-27-10, 8th E) vs Barys (14-44-7, 12th E)
About the game
Sibir is in the middle of a five-game home series and won its previous couple of matches.
Barys wraps up a three-game road trip following a loss to Amur on Saturday (2:5).
The season series between the two teams is 2-3 (1:3, 2:0, 2:0, 3:4 ОТ, 1:4).
Sibir’s forward Taylor Beck is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (1+4) points over that span.
Sibir’s forward Andy Andreoff is also on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points.
Sibir’s forward Sergei Shirokov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (2+3) points.
Injury list
Sibir: Vladimir Butuzov, Fyodor Gordeyev.
Barys: Nikita Boyarkin, Andrei Shutov.
Milestone alert
Barys’ forward Kirill Savitsky lines up for his 200th KHL game.
17:00: Metallurg (41-20-4, 3rd E) vs Vityaz (24-32-9, 10th W)
About the game
Metallurg enters the third game of a four-match home series on a two-game winning streak.
Vityaz, who defeated Metallurg earlier this season (2:0), ends a two-game road trip after winning three straight matches.
Metallurg’s forward Roman Kantserov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 5 (1+4) points over that span.
Metallurg’s forward Denis Zernov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points.
Vityaz’s forward Alexei Makeyev and defenseman Yaroslav Busygin are on an identical three-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points over that stretch.
Vityaz’s forward Matvei Zaseda scored at least a goal in each of his previous three matches, totaling four tallies.
Injury list
Metallurg: Vladislav Yeryomenko, Danila Yurov.
Vityaz: Ivan Chekhovich, Frederik Gauthier.
Milestone alert
Metallurg’s forward Nikita Mikhailis may score his 300th point in the league (currently at 299).
Metallurg’s forward Alexander Petunin may reach 200 points in the KHL (currently at 199).
Metallurg’s defenseman Alexei Maklyukov may record his 100th career point (currently at 99).
Vityaz’s goalie Dmitry Shikin may record his 10th KHL shutout.
19:00: Lokomotiv (46-15-4, 1st W) vs Admiral (28-24-12, 7th E)
About the game
Lokomotiv, who defeated Admiral earlier this season (3:0), ends a three-game home series following a loss to Neftekhimik on Friday (1:2 SO).
Admiral starts a four-game road trip after losing to Barys on Thursday (4:5 SO).
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk is on a 76:15 shutout streak.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Rushan Rafikov had at least one assist in each of his previous four matches, totaling five helpers.
Admiral’s forward Daniil Gutik is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that span.
Admiral’s defenseman Libor Sulak and forward Pavel Shen are also on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points.
Injury list
Admiral: Artyom Nikolayev, Shane Prince.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th KHL shutout.
Admiral’s defenseman Artyom Chmykhov lines up for his 200th league appearance.
Admiral’s forward Nikita Soshnikov may score his 100th goal in the KHL (currently at 99).
