Metallurg kicks off its season against Amur, Neftekhimik hosts the Shanghai Dragons

Two Eastern Conference matchups are on tap as Metallurg host Amur in Magnitogorsk, with both teams entering the season after winning preseason tournaments. Neftekhimik then welcome the Shanghai Dragons, as both sides look to make a push for the playoffs.

The all-Eastern matchday starts in Magnitogorsk, with Metallurg kicking off its campaign in a home game against Amur. Both teams had some sort of a renewal in the offseason, and both teams played well in the exhibition games, with Magnitka claiming its home tournament, the Romazan Memorial, after an OT win over Salavat Yulaev – it was the team’s 15^th win in the summer trophy. The Tigers also lifted a preseason trophy when they won the Republic of Bashkortostan Cup, with Amur also defeating the Ufa franchise in the decisive game. Both teams have playoff hopes, although while Metallurg is a perennial contender in the Eastern Conference, the Tigers will seek their fourth postseason qualification in the league’s history.

Following next is Neftekhimik hosting the Shanghai Dragons. The Wolves made a good job in the summer. Neftekhimik’s roster looks stronger on paper than it did a year ago. The Nizhnekamsk side should therefore be capable of at least matching last season’s result and comfortably reaching the postseason again. The Dragons underwent some major changes, both on and off the ice, including a new logo, and they will also be seeking a return to postseason hockey. At this point, however, it’s hard to say that the Chinese franchise has more chances than the last season, but anything can happen once the action actually starts in the regular season.

14:30: Metallurg vs Amur

About the game
Metallurg starts its 2026-2027 campaign with the first of a two-game home series, while Amur starts a four-match road trip.

Injury list
Amur: Ivan Chekhovich, Semyon Demidov, Danila Galenyuk.

Milestone alert
Metallurg’s head coach Andrei Razin may reach 350 wins in the KHL.

17:00: Neftekhimik vs Shanghai Dragons

About the game
Neftekhimik starts a four-game home series, while the Shanghai Dragons kick off their new campaign on the road with the first of a four-match road trip.

Injury list
Shanghai Dragons: Martin Frk.

Milestone alert
Neftekhimik’s goalie Filipp Dolganov may reach 150 career appearances.