Preview: Spartak Moscow at Avangard Omsk

BALASHIKHA, Russia (Interstat) — A surging Avangard Omsk squad will host a streaky Spartak Moscow team in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup Sunday at Balashikha Arena.

The home side enters with the clear advantage in form. Avangard (20-11-0) has won seven of its last eight games, including a decisive 5-2 victory over HC Sochi on Thursday. American forward Andrew Poturalski has been a driving force, recording a point in six of his last nine contests and posting a goal and an assist in the win over Sochi.

Conversely, Spartak (18-16-0) has been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses over its past six games. It is coming off a 4-3 overtime road loss to Barys Astana on Friday. Defenseman Daniil Ivanov, a physical presence for Spartak, logged two penalty minutes and two hits in that defeat.

The teams’ recent results highlight their contrasting trajectories. Avangard’s only loss since Nov. 10 was a narrow 6-5 defeat to Neftekhimik, while Spartak has struggled to string wins together, suffering several lopsided losses including a 6-0 shutout in Minsk on Nov. 22.

Historically, Avangard has dominated this series, winning both meetings last season by a combined score of 10-3. Spartak will need to contain Poturalski and an Avangard attack averaging over four goals per game during its hot streak. For Spartak, generating offense beyond Pavel Poryadin, who scored in the loss to Barys, will be critical.

The game is the last for both clubs before a lengthy break in their schedules. Avangard does not play again until a road game at Sibir Novosibirsk on Dec. 16, while Spartak’s next contest is at Dynamo Moscow on the same date.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time (1100 GMT).