Jokerit - SKA. Match day

SKA have travelled to the Finnish capital of Helsinki to start off a new KHL away series against HC Jokerit.

With the two clubs situated not far away from each other, these fixtures always have a special feel to them. However, it's unlikely that Jokerit have been looking forward to today's match. Under new head coach Jukka Jalonen, a familiar figure to Saint Petersburg fans, Jokerit have been struggling, currently out of the playoff zone in ninth place of the Western Conference. Jokerit's lack of consistency has been clear for all to see, failing to string a number of wins together. Lots of key players took their leave during the summer, and they have not been able to make up for those losses.

Nevertheless, Jokerit are still dangerous opponents, especially in Helsinki. Their top goalscorer is Dane Peter Regin with 25 points (11+14), while first choice American goaltender Ryan Zapolski holds a 91.2.

After having the fifteen match winning streak broken against Avtomobilist, SKA got back to winning ways on Monday, defeating CSKA Moscow 6:3 at home. Ilya Kovalchuk, boasting an impressive 46 points (21+25), is the team's leading goalscorer.

These teams have already met this KHL season, as SKA thrashed Jokerit 6:0 in Saint Petersburg.

The Jokerit - SKA match will begin at 19.30 Moscow time in Helsinki, Finland. Life78 and KHL TV will broadcast live, and you can follow events on our official Twitter account.