SKA - Traktor. Presenting the opponents

CURRENT STANDINGS

7. SKA, 26 matches, 15 regulation victories, 1 overtime victory, 7 regulation defeats, 2 penalty shootout defeats, 1 overtime defeat, goal difference 82-60, 35 points

3. Traktor, 27 matches, 16 regulation victories, 1 overtime victory, 1 penalty shootout defeat, 7 regulation defeats, 1 overtime defeat, 1 penalty shootout defeat, goal difference 75-50, 38 points

FORM

Traktor are enjoying one of their strongest campaigns in recent years. Managed by former SKA coach Anvar Gatiyatulin, the Chelyabinsk-based club have been extremely difficult to beat in the 2020/2021 campaign so far, only suffering seven defeats in regulation time while conceding a mere 50 goals in 27 matches. Boasting a high-quality squad with the likes of Lawrence Pilut (defenseman, 2+12), Nick Bailen (defenseman, 4+7), Tomas Hyka (forward, 6+12), New York Rangers prospect Vitaly Kravtsov (forward, 8+3) and Pontus Aberg (forward, 5+6), Traktor have proven that they deserve to be considered an elite KHL team, often defending solidly and taking advantage of their scoring opportunities.

They do also have former SKA forwards Alexei Byvaltsev (7+7) and Sergei Kalinin (7+8) on their books.

Interestingly, in a statistic which adds further intrigue to today’s battle, both of these two teams have been practically flawless since the international break. Displaying effective ice hockey with plenty of character, Traktor defeated Metallurg Magnitogorsk (2:1 OT) and Ak Bars (2:1) at home, before beating Kunlun Red Star Beijing (5:3) in Mytishchi and Jokerit Helsinki (3:1) in Finland. Meanwhile, SKA were impressive against Jokerit (4:1), Vityaz Podolsk (8:1) and Severstal Cherepovets (2:0) on the road, wins which preceded a pulsating 3:2 overtime triumph over Salavat Yulaev Ufa at home. As it stands, Traktor are third in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, while SKA occupy second spot of the Western Conference with 35 points on the board. SKA do have one game in hand over Traktor.

POINTS LEADERS IN LAST FIVE MATCHES

SKA

Vladimir Tkachyov: 5 (2+3) points

Miro Aaltonen: 4 (3+1) points

Viktor Antipin: 4 (0+4) points

TRAKTOR

Alexei Byvaltsev: 4 (2+2) points

Yaroslav Kosov: 3 (3+0) points

Vyacheslav Osnovin: 3 (2+1) points

In goal, Roman Will has been a reliable figure for the Ural organisation, with the 28-year-old Czech tallying a 93.1% save percentage, a goals against average of 1.83 and two shutouts in his 18 matches to date. Moreover, Traktor back-up Ivan Fedotov has also been excellent when called upon, earning a save percentage of 94.5% and a 1.54 goals against average in his nine games.

On Monday, 18-year-old Yaroslav Askarov took a leading role for SKA when replacing Mikhail Berdin (91.6%, 2.49) in the second period against Salavat Yulaev, saving all 11 shots he faced to help our team emerge victorious. The teenager now possesses a 96.3% save percentage, a goals against average of 0.94 and one shutout for the senior SKA team. Swedish goaltender Magnus Hellberg has made seven appearances, recording a 93.1% save percentage, a 2.44 goals against average and one shutout.

WHERE TO WATCH

Puck drop is scheduled for 19:30 local time at the Ice Palace. KHL TV HD and Channel 78 will broadcast the match on television in Russia, whereas you can purchase a live video worldwide from the KHL’s official website. Text updates can be found on our Twitter account.