Preview: CSKA Moscow at Lada Togliatti

TOLYATTI, Russia (Interstat) — Two struggling Kontinental Hockey League teams seeking momentum will meet Tuesday when CSKA Moscow visits Lada Togliatti at Lada Arena.

The matchup features clubs at the bottom of the KHL’s Western Conference standings. CSKA (15-19-0) arrives after a 3-1 road victory over Salavat Yulaev Ufa on Dec. 7, which snapped a two-game skid. Lada (10-23-0) has lost three straight, most recently a 3-2 home defeat to Severstal Cherepovets on Dec. 7.

The teams met just over two weeks ago in Moscow, with CSKA securing a 4-2 win on Nov. 27. In that game, Lada forward Tomas Jurco recorded an assist.

A key player to watch for CSKA is 21-year-old forward Kirill Dolzhenkov. The powerful winger scored a goal in the team’s most recent win and has points in two of his last three games. His physical presence, evidenced by 14 hits over his last seven contests, will be a factor against a Lada team that has struggled defensively.

For Lada, veteran forward Tomas Jurco remains a bright spot in a difficult season. He scored a goal in the team’s last outing and recorded a point in the previous matchup against CSKA. The Slovak winger is one of Lada’s primary offensive threats.

CSKA’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a 3-2-0 record in its last five games. Goaltender Alexander Samonov, who made 23 saves in the Dec. 7 win, is expected to start.

Lada has found wins hard to come by, posting a 2-8-0 record in its last 10 games. Playing at home, where they are 6-10-0 this season, provides a slight opportunity to reverse their fortunes against a CSKA squad that is 7-11-0 on the road.

Following this game, CSKA will travel to face Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on Thursday. Lada begins a lengthy road trip, facing Red Star Kunlun in China on Friday.

Game Facts: When: Tuesday, 7 p.m. local time (11 a.m. EST). Where: Lada Arena, Tolyatti. Records: CSKA Moscow (15-19-0); Lada Togliatti (10-23-0). Previous Meeting: CSKA won 4-2 at home on Nov. 27, 2025. Players to Watch: CSKA — F Kirill Dolzhenkov. Lada — F Tomas Jurco.