Three games on schedule on a light Saturday
Today’s schedule sees only three games – all in the Eastern Conference, with Sibir hosting Traktor, Neftekhimik welcoming Salavat Yulaev, and Ak Bars looking to stretch its winning streak in a home game against guests from Vladivostok.
The KHL Saturday starts again in Novosibirsk, with Sibir seeking a return to victory facing Traktor. The Novosibirsk side isn’t in its best moment, with three straight losses, to Ak Bars (1:4), Metallurg (1:2 OT), and Salavat Yulaev (2:5). Offense has been struggling for Sibir across this stretch, so it’ll be important for the forwards to find chemistry back and convert their chances. Traktor’s last games have been a mixed bag, with two wins and three defeats. Most recently, a 2:3 setback away to Salavat Yulaev, and a 3:5 loss to Avtomobilist. Defensive issues were prominent, with 18 goals conceded and just 15 scored over these five outings. Traktor currently sits mid-table in the East but will need a turnaround to stay in playoff contention. Moreover, the team just lost key defenseman Grigory Dronov for the next five matches, but won its last eight games in Novosibirsk. After today’s clash, Traktor will fly back home, where the teams will meet again next week.
13:30: Sibir (7-9-1, 10th E) vs Traktor (8-7-4, 6th E)
About the game
Sibir ends a four-game home series on a three-match losing streak.
Traktor ends a three-game road trip and lost its previous couple of matches.
Traktor’s forward Mikhail Grigorenko is on a four-game scoring streak, with 6 (3+3) points over that span.
Traktor’s defenseman Jordan Gross had an assist in each of his previous four matches.
Injury list
Sibir: David Farrance.
Disqualifications
Traktor’s defenseman Grigory Dronov serves the first game of a five-match ban.
Milestone alert
Sibir’s forward Valentin Pyanov lines up for his 600th KHL game.
The action then moves to Nizhnekamsk, with a showdown between Neftekhimik and Salavat Yulaev. After a long series without wins, Salavat Yulaev gained some ground, defeating Traktor (3:2) and Sibir (5:2) in consecutive matches, despite more than enough players sitting on injury list. The Ufa team is still the last seed in the Eastern Conference’s table, but cut the gap from tenth place by just three points. Two Alexanders – Zharovsky and Khokhlachyov – were instrumental for Salavat Yulaev in its success of late. However, today’s hosts had two wins in three games, defeating Dinamo Minsk and Metallurg, and won’t be just looking. It will be an exciting game in Nizhnekamsk.
14:00: Neftekhimik (10-8-1, 5th E) vs Salavat Yulaev (5-10-2, 11th E)
About the game
Neftekhimik is in the middle of a three-game home series and defeated Metallurg on Thursday (5:3).
Salavat Yulaev ends a two-game road trip on a two-match winning streak.
Neftekhimik’s forward Damir Zhafyarov had at least an assist in each of his previous four matches, totaling six helpers.
Neftekhimik’s forward German Tochilkin is on a three-game scoring streak, with 7 (5+2) points over that stretch.
Salavat Yulaev’s defenseman Evgeny Kulik is also on a three-game scoring streak, but with 4 (1+3) points.
Injury list
Neftekhimik: Alexander Dergachyov, Nikita Popugayev.
Salavat Yulaev: Daniil Alalykin, Anton Berlyov, Pyotr Khokhryakov, Oleg Kuzmin, Alexei Pimenov, Dean Stewart, Dennis Yann, Nikita Zorkin.
Milestone alert
Neftekhimik’s forward Danil Yurtaikin may score his 100th KHL point (currently at 99).
Salavat Yulaev’s forward Alexander Khokhlachyov may record his 200th assists in the league (currently at 199), while defenseman Alexei Vasilevsky may reach 100.
In the closing game of a light KHL Saturday, Ak Bars hosts Admiral. The Tatarstan side is on fire, with eight straight wins – including a 1:0 win over Lokomotiv in its last outing – and climbed up to third place in the Eastern Conference. Ak Bars is yet to lose this month, with a perfect record so far. The Sailors come to Kazan following two straight losses, to Spartak (3:4 SO) and Severstal (1:2), respectively, starting a road trip that will see the team returning home only in November. Ak Bars and Admiral will meet again in two days for a revenge match. The Kazan side has eleven straight home wins over the Sailors in Russian Championship competition – Admiral will want to revert the trend and return to playoff places.
17:00: Ak Bars (12-5-1, 3rd E) vs Admiral (6-5-3, 9th E)
About the game
Ak Bars enters the second game of a five-match home series on an impressive eight-game winning streak.
Admiral starts a five-game road trip on a two-match losing streak.
Ak Bars’ goalies are on a 81:27 shutout streak.
Injury list
Ak Bars: Albert Yarullin.
Admiral: Mario Grman, Alexander Shepelev.
Milestone alert
Admiral seeks its 300th win in the KHL.
