SKA - Avangard. Match day

SKA will take on HC Avangard Omsk in Saint Petersburg for the third home fixture in a row.

This won't be the first meeting between these two teams this campaign, as just a few weeks ago in Omsk SKA defeated Avangard 4:1. Jarno Koskiranta, Joakim Lindstrom, Andrei Kuteikin and Evgeny Dadonov were all on target for SKA in that match, and our players will be looking for a repeat result today. Since that match Avangard completely lost their form, and went on to drop the next three matches against HC Spartak Moscow 2:3. Jokerit 0:1 and Dinamo Riga 2:3. Nevertheless their recent 3:0 victory over Amur should have given them confidence, and they currently occupy third place of the Eastern Conference with 50 points. Regular starting goaltender Dominik Furch has a 91.8% saves percentage, while fellow Czech Vladimir Sobotka is their top scorer with 22 points (13+9).

Our players have picked up form of late, and won two crucial home matches against Dynamo Moscow and Vityaz Podolsk 3:2 and 5:3 respectively. Those victories have allowed the team to move up to seventh of the conference, and do now hold a playoff berth. Nikita Gusev was particularly impressive in those games, taking a combined five points (3+2).

The SKA - Avangard match will begin at 19.30 local time inside the Saint Petersburg Ice Palace. Life78, Match TV and KHL TV wil all broadcast the game live, and you can keep up to date with events by either following our online match centre or our official Twitter account.