Jokerit - SKA. Match day

SKA have made the trip to Finland for a KHL match against HC Jokerit Helsinki in the Finnish capital.

When joining the KHL a couple of years ago, Jokerit instantly became one of SKA's biggest rivals. With these two clubs situated close together, these games are regarded to as the Northern derby, a battle which has often gone SKA's way. Indeed, SKA have already beaten Jokerit twice this camapign 6:0 in Saint Petersburg and 3:2 SO in Helsinki. Nevertheless, at the Hartwall Arena, Jokerit are always tough opponents.

The Finns have had a strange season so far, often trading victories for losses. Their inconsistency has left them languishing in seventh place of the Western Conference, far from guaranteed a Gagarin Cup playoff berth. Danish forward Peter Regin is their top scorer with 36 points (13+23), while first choice goaltender Ryan Zapolski holds a 91.7 saves percentage.

Unfortunately, SKA have hit their first rocky patch of the season, dropping three defeats in a row. The previous came in Minsk, where the team almost recovered from a five goal deficit. In that game, Vadim Shipachyov became the first SKA player to achieve 50 points in three consecutive KHL regular seasons.

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