ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Interstat) — Two of the Kontinental Hockey League’s most prominent clubs, both mired in disappointing starts, will clash Wednesday when CSKA Moscow visits SKA Saint Petersburg at Ice Palace Saint Petersburg.

CSKA (7-9-0) enters the matchup with a flicker of momentum, coming off a 5-3 victory over Dinamo Minsk on Monday. Forward Daniel Sprong led the charge with two goals and two assists, while defenseman Jeremy Roy added a goal and an assist. Goaltender Spencer Martin secured the win with 33 saves.

Despite the recent offensive outburst, CSKA has struggled for consistency, splitting its last four games.

SKA (3-9-0) faces a steeper climb, having not played since a 3-2 overtime loss to Red Star Kunlun on Oct. 1. The extended break follows a stretch where the team managed just one win in its last six contests, a 2-1 victory over Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg on Oct. 13.

The matchup is a pivotal one for both teams as they look to climb the Western Conference standings. CSKA will aim to build on its recent scoring surge, while SKA hopes to reset and find its form after a lengthy layoff.