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Playoff positioning: Admiral Eyes Seventh Spot; CSKA, Dinamo Mn clash for top four
Three games are on the schedule today as the KHL playoff race intensifies. In the East, Admiral has a chance to secure seventh place but must overcome Neftekhimik, which is coming off a win in Moscow. The action then shifts west, where Dynamo Moscow and Lokomotiv face off for the sixth time this season, with the Blue-and-Whites looking to maintain their edge. To close the day, CSKA hosts Dinamo Minsk in a crucial matchup, as both teams aim to break their losing streaks and fight for a top-four finish.
After yesterday’s Salavat Yulaev’s win over Sibir, Admiral today has a chance to guarantee the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, but for this to happen, the Sailors need to defeat Neftekhimik today. Earlier, the teams traded wins, and they will play between each other the final two games in this year’s regular season. Neftekhimik enters today’s game following a win over Spartak in Moscow, while Admiral will seek a return to victory after three straight losses, to Barys (4:5 SO), Lokomotiv (1:4), and Metallurg (4:5 SO). The Sailors’ last win in Nizhnekamsk is dated Sept. 28, 2018 (2:1 SO).
Then, the action moves to the West for the next couple of games. First, Dynamo Moscow hosts Lokomotiv as the teams face off for the sixth time in the season. For now, the Blue-and-Whites are up 3-2 in the series, but the Railwaymen have a chance to tie things up. Lokomotiv has already clinched the first spot in the league’s standings, and Dynamo will certainly not want to lose ground from the teams behind in the conference’s table. Both teams are on active winning streaks.
To close a light matchday, CSKA welcomes Dinamo Minsk with both sides trying to return to victory after losing three and four straight games, respectively. The Bison defeated CSKA all three times this season, and Dinamo Minsk is looking for a fourth win also to try and overcome the Muscovites for a top-four finish in the Western Conference, to start the elimination stage playing at home. To add further motivation to the guests, today’s game will mark Dmitry Kvartalnov’s 950th KHL game. However, CSKA has the same goal, and may guarantee a top-four finish if they defeat the Belarusians in regulation time. In this case, Spartak will also get an upper-tier ranking, with Dinamo Minsk not being able to climb further.
19:00: Neftekhimik (23-26-17, 10th E) vs Admiral (28-25-13, 7th W)
About the game
Neftekhimik starts a two-game home series fresh off a win over Spartak on Wednesday (4:2).
Admiral enters the third game of a four-match road trip on a three-game losing streak.
The season series between the two teams is 1-1 (0:1, 3:2).
Neftekhimik’s forward Riley Barber is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points over that span.
Admiral’s forward Daniil Gutik is on a five-game scoring streak, with 7 (4+3) points over that stretch.
Admiral’s defenseman Libor Sulak is on a four-game scoring streak, with 5 (3+2) points.
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Roman Abrosimov, Alexander Dergachyov, Yegor Korbit, Fyodor Kroshchinsky, Luka Profaca.
Admiral: Leonid Metalnikov, Artyom Nikolayev, Shane Prince.
Milestone alert
Admiral’s defenseman Artyom Chmykhov may line up for his 200th KHL game.
19:30: Dynamo Moscow (42-19-5, 2nd W) vs Lokomotiv (48-15-4, 1st W)
About the game
Dynamo Moscow wraps up a two-game home series on a three-match winning streak.
Lokomotiv ends a two-game road trip following two straight victories.
The season series between the two teams is 3-2 (3:4 SO, 3:0, 1:2, 3:1, 5:3).
Dynamo Moscow’s forward Jordan Weal had at least one assist in each of his previous three games, totaling four helpers.
Lokomotiv’s defenseman Rushan Rafikov had at least one assist in each of his previous six games, totaling seven helpers.
Lokomotiv’s forward Alexander Polunin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 5 (3+2) points over that span.
Injury list
Lokomotiv: Stepan Nikulin.
Milestone alert
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th KHL shutout.
19:30: CSKA (37-20-9, 4th W) vs Dinamo Minsk (37-21-8, 5th W)
About the game
CSKA ends a three-game home series on a three-match losing streak.
Dinamo Minsk starts a two-game road trip on a four-match losing streak.
The season series between the two teams is 0-3 (4:5 ОТ, 0:2, 1:4).
Dinamo Minsk’s forward Sam Anas is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that span.
Dinamo Minsk’s forward Alexander Volkov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (1+3) points.
Dinamo Minsk’s forward Vitaly Pinchuk is also on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points.
Injury list
CSKA: Vitaly Abramov, Colby Williams.
Dinamo Minsk: Nikita Pyshkaylo, Daniil Sotishvili.
Milestone alert
Dinamo Minsk’s head coach Dmitry Kvartalnov celebrates his 950th KHL game.
