SKA - Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Introducing the opponents

CURRENT STANDINGS

3. SKA, 24 matches, 13 regulation victories, 1 overtime victory, 3 penalty shootout victories, 4 regulation defeats, 1 overtime defeat, 2 penalty shootout defeats, goal difference 84-51, 37 points

1. Metallurg Magnitogorsk, 24 matches, 18 regulation victories, 2 overtime victories, 2 penalty shootout victories, 2 regulation defeats, goal difference 90-49, 44 points

FORM

It really has been an incredible start to the 2021/2022 KHL regular season for the Ural-based outfit. Despite having not initially been considered one of the favourites for the Gagarin Cup, Metallurg Magnitogorsk have taken the league by storm in the opening couple of months, powering to a huge total of 22 wins in 24 games and not losing a single match away from home. Moreover, both of Metallurg’s two defeats (2:7, 2:5) were suffered against the same club in Magnitogorsk: Salavat Yulaev Ufa.

Given their superb form, it’s no surprise to see that Metallurg have scored more goals (90) and conceded less markers (49) than anyone else in the KHL. Coached by familiar face Ilya Vorobyov, Magnitogorsk compete in an organised, aggressive manner, rarely losing their shape while possessing the ability to make the most of their scoring opportunities. Forwards Philippe Maillet (9+18), Nikolai Goldobin (10+13), Brendan Leipsic (9+10), Andrei Chibisov (10+7), Maxim Karpov (7+9), Semyon Koshelev (4+12) and Josh Currie (8+7) are all in excellent shape, while defensemen Linus Hultstrom (3+11) and Artyom Zemchyonok (2+9) provide an attacking threat at the blue line. Metallurg’s first line normally consists of Zemchyonok, Yegor Yakovlev (1+8), Koshelev, Currie and Chibisov.

Defensemen Grigory Dronov (0+1) and Yaroslav Khabarov (0+0) are on Metallurg’s injury list, although the fact that the latter has made the trip to Saint Petersburg suggests he is ready to play. Interestingly, defenseman Vladislav Syomin (0+0) and forward Yegor Korobkin (1+1) - who both competed against SKA-Neva in the VHL for Yermak Angarsk on October 4 in Saint Petersburg - have travelled with the senior Metallurg team for this game. Korobkin scored a hat-trick in that match as Yermak lost 3:6 at the Hockey City complex.

This will be the first match of this particular road trip for Metallurg. In their preceding home series, Vorobyov’s troops managed to see off Traktor Chelyabinsk (3:2), Ak Bars Kazan (3:1) and Vityaz Podolsk (2:1), even though they didn’t outshoot their opponents in any of those three games. Magnitogorsk are six points ahead of second-placed Traktor in first spot of the Eastern Conference with two matches in hand.

SKA are also in fantastic form. Producing effective performances, our players are in the midst of a five-game winning streak having defeated Jokerit Helsinki (home, 2:0), Kunlun Red Star Beijing (home, 7:0), Avangard Omsk (away, 5:1), Dinamo Riga (away, 5:4 SO) and Dynamo Moscow (away, 3:2) while playing brilliant ice hockey in the process. Mikko Lehtonen (1+2) and Andrei Kuzmenko (8+18) were deservedly named the best defenseman and forward of the week in the KHL respectively on Monday.

Moreover, the KHL announced on Tuesday that SKA's Lars Johansson is the best goaltender of October.

As it stands, SKA are one point ahead of nearest challengers Jokerit in first position of the Western Conference, but we do have one game in hand over the Finns.

Last season, these two teams met twice in the regular season, as Metallurg emerged victorious 4:1 in Saint Petersburg and 2:1 in Magnitogorsk.

GOALKEEPING STATISTICS

SKA

Lars Johansson: 17 appearances, 12 wins, 2 defeats, 363 saves made, 21 goals conceded, save percentage 94.5%, goals against average 1.33, 7 shutouts

Alexander Samonov: 7 appearances, 3 wins, 3 defeats, 105 saves made, 18 goals conceded, save percentage 85.4%, goals against average 3.87

Yaroslav Askarov: 5 appearances, 2 wins, 2 defeats, 75 saves made, 8 goals conceded, save percentage 90.4%, goals against average 2.01

METALLURG MAGNITOGORSK

Juho Olkinuora: 15 matches, 13 wins, 0 defeats, 416 saves made, 25 goals conceded, save percentage 94.3%, goals against average 1.75, 3 shutouts

Vasily Koshechkin: 10 matches, 8 wins, 2 defeats, 238 saves made, 20 goals conceded, save percentage 92.2%, goals against average 2.28, 1 shutout

Artyom Zagidulin: 1 match, 1 win, 20 saves made, 4 goals conceded, save percentage 83.3%, goals against average 3.72

WHERE TO WATCH

Puck-drop is scheduled for 19:30 local time at the Saint Petersburg Ice Palace. KHL PRIME and Channel 78 will provide a television broadcast in Russia, whereas you can watch a live video on the KHL’s official website worldwide. Text updates will be available on our Twitter account.