SKA looks to halt skid at home against Avtomobilist, Severstal hosts Lokomotiv
Only two games are on tap on a light KHL Monday, starting with a classic confrontation between Severstal and Lokomotiv – the third this season – and closing with SKA facing Avtomobilist trying to halt a long, seven-game skid.
The match day starts with a classic Western Conference matchup between Severstal and Lokomotiv. It will be the third clash between the two sides this season, with the Railwaymen claiming both games (4:1, 2:1). Both sides enter today’s game in good form. Lokomotiv has been far more consistent, with four wins in their last five games. The Railwaymen remain at the top of the Western Conference and have a tactical style able to protect leads and shut down games in the third period, as shown in the SKA victory (4:2) and other matches. Powerplay efficiency and discipline in closing out matches are visible strengths for Bob Hartley’s men – qualities that they will try to show today. Severstal had three wins in its last five outings, alternating wins and losses with a clear pattern: convincing wins over weaker teams (like Sochi, 3:0) but struggles against stronger opponents (such as CSKA, losing 2:3 in a close game). The Steelers’ playoff ambitions have been hindered by their inconsistency, but the season is still young and today’s game may be a good chance to finally get away with a win over regional rivals.
19:00: Severstal (7-6-0, 7th W) vs Lokomotiv (9-3-2, 1st W)
About the game
Severstal is in the middle of a three-game home series and defeated HC Sochi on Thursday (3:0).
Lokomotiv, who defeated Severstal twice this season (4:1, 2:1), ends a two-game road trip after a loss to Traktor on Saturday (1:3).
Severstal’s goalie Alexander Samoilov is on a 92:21 shutout streak.
Severstal’s forward Mikhail Ilyin is on a five-game scoring streak, with 6 (2+4) points over that span.
Severstal’s forward Vladislav Tsitsyura is on a three-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points.
Injury list
Severstal: Ilya Ivantsov, Adam Liska, Kirill Pilipenko, Artyom Shchuchinov, Kirill Tankov.
Lokomotiv: Andrei Sergeyev, Daniil Tesanov, Alexander Volkov.
Milestone alert
Severstal may celebrate its 500th win in the KHL.
Lokomotiv’s goalie Alexei Melnichuk may record his 10th league shutout.
In the second game of the day, SKA faces Avtomobilist at home after the teams met on Oct. 8 in Yekaterinburg, when Roman Gorbunov netted the game-winner in a close Motormen’s win (2:1 OT). SKA is in a rough patch, with seven consecutive losses, including defeats to Lokomotiv (2:4) and Spartak (1:3). With this setback, SKA is currently outside the playoff zone, a stark contrast to their usual status as Western Conference’s contenders. Avtomobilist are on a strong run, with six consecutive wins. Recent victories include a 2:1 OT win against SKA and a 3-0 shutout of Avangard. The Motormen only trail Metallurg in the Eastern Conference’s table and look like a strong candidate in the postseason, especially considering that they keep on having six players sitting on the injury list.
19:30: SKA (5-5-3, 9th W) vs Avtomobilist (10-4-1, 2nd E)
About the game
SKA starts a two-game home series on a seven-game losing streak.
Avtomobilist, who defeated SKA earlier in the season (2:1 OT), starts a four-game road trip on a six-match winning streak.
SKA’s forward Valentin Zykov is on a three-game scoring streak, with 3 (2+1) points over that span.
SKA’s forward Mikhail Vorobyov had an assist in each of his previous three matches.
Avtomobilist’s goalie Vladimir Galkin is on a 116:19 shutout streak.
Avtomobilist’s forward Denis Romantsev is on a six-game scoring streak, with 7 (4+3) points over that stretch.
Avtomobilist’s forward Stepan Khripunov is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (3+3) points.
Injury list
SKA: Ivan Zinchenko.
Avtomobilist: Stephane Da Costa, Stepan Khripunov, Brooks Macek, Maxim Osipov, Nikita Tryamkin, Sergei Zborovsky.
Milestone alert
Avtomobilist’s forward Maxim Denezhkin lines up for his 100th league appearance.
