MOSCOW (Interstat) — A surging Severstal Cherepovets visits Spartak Moscow on Friday in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup at Luzhniki Minor Arena.

The visiting Steelmen (16-9-0) enter the contest with a superior record, having won seven of their last 10 games despite a 2-0 road loss to CSKA Moscow on Monday. Goaltender Alexander Samoilov was a standout in that defeat, making 25 saves on 27 shots.

Spartak (13-12-0) looks to rebound on home ice after a 6-3 loss to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on Wednesday. Forwards Danil Pivchulin and Lucas Lockhart each scored in the losing effort.

Severstal holds a recent head-to-head advantage, having defeated Spartak 2-1 in Moscow on Sept. 11. The Steelmen have shown a knack for close victories, with three of their last eight wins coming in overtime or a shootout.

Spartak’s form has been inconsistent, mixing decisive wins with heavy losses. They will need to tighten their defense after allowing six goals in their last outing.

Following this game, Severstal returns home to host CSKA Moscow on Sunday. Spartak begins a three-game road trip at Dynamo Moscow on Tuesday.