Avtomobilist hosts Metallurg in today’s only game

In the lone game of the matchday, Avtomobilist faces Metallurg in a classic Ural confrontation. Magnitka got the upper hand in the first clash of the season with a 4–2 win as the Motormem seeks revenge today.

The two Eastern sides met first on Oct. 18, when Metallurg celebrated a 4–2 home win with four different scorers and three goals in the closing frame. After the win, Magnitka lost to Salavat Yulaev 4–5 in a shootout, defeated Sibir 5–1 and Neftekhimik 3–2 in overtime, and lost 5–2 to Sibir on the road. Metallurg had better streaks this season, but holds the Eastern Conference leadership at 34 points. The Motormen not only bounced back quickly, but shifted into high gear with four straight wins. They defeated SKA in St. Petersburg 3–1, thumped CSKA 5–1 at home and celebrated another two wins in Yekaterinburg, 4–1 over Barys and 3–2 in a shootout against Torpedo. With this streak, Avtomobilist climbed up in the standings, now fighting for a spot in the top four, but still at twelve points from Magnitka. Expect an exciting and uncertain game at the UGMK Arena today. After the match, Metallurg will fly back to Magnitogorsk, where the team will play the next three games, including an exciting clash against CSKA on Monday.

15:00: Avtomobilist (10-8-2, 5^th E) vs Metallurg (16-4-2, 1^st E)
About the game

Avtomobilist ends a four-game home series on a four-match winning streak.

Metallurg, who defeated Avtomobilist earlier in the season (4–2), wraps up a three-match road trip following a loss to Sibir on Thursday (2–5).

Avtomobilist’s forward Alexander Kadeikin is on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points over that stretch.

Metallurg’s forward Nathan Todd is on a five-game scoring streak, with 7 (2+5) points over that span.

Metallurg’s forward Sergei Tolchinsky is on a four-game scoring streak, with 5 (1+4) points.

Metallurg’s forward Daniil Vovchenko is also on a four-game scoring streak, with 4 (2+2) points.

Injury list

Avtomobilist: Vladimir Galkin, Nikita Shashkov, Anton Slepyshev.

Metallurg: Dmitry Silantyev.

Milestone alert

Avtomobilist’s forward Alexander Sharov may reach 200 career assists (currently at 198).

Avtomobilist’s goalie Evgeny Alikin may record his 30th KHL shutout.