YAROSLAVL, Russia (Interstat) — A surging Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hosts a struggling CSKA Moscow in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup on Thursday at Arena 2000, looking to extend its dominance in the season series.

The home side (21-14-0) sits firmly in playoff position and enters on a three-game winning streak, including a 3-2 shootout victory over Dinamo Minsk on Tuesday. CSKA (16-19-0), the reigning Gagarin Cup champion from 2023, has struggled for consistency and sits outside the current Western Conference playoff picture.

Lokomotiv has handily won both previous meetings this season, outscoring the Army Men 9-2. On Oct. 15, Lokomotiv secured a 4-1 home victory, following a 5-1 win in Moscow on Sept. 18.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s hottest forwards. CSKA’s Prokhor Poltapov is riding a five-game point streak, tallying four goals and three assists in that span. He posted a goal and two assists in CSKA’s 4-2 road win at Lada on Tuesday.

For Lokomotiv, Georgy Ivanov has been equally productive, registering a point in four of his last five contests. He had a goal and an assist in the win over Dinamo Minsk, showcasing a blend of scoring and physical play with four hits.

CSKA has shown recent signs of life, winning three of its last four games, including the last two on the road. Lokomotiv, however, has been strong on home ice and has allowed just four total goals during its current win streak.

The game is the first of a home-and-home set, with the teams scheduled to meet again in Moscow on Jan. 4.

Expected Starting Goaltenders: CSKA’s Adam Reideborn (projected) vs. Lokomotiv’s Ivan Bocharov (projected). Official starters will be announced closer to game time.

Injury Report: Both teams will release updated injury reports following morning skates.

Up Next: CSKA hosts Dynamo Moscow on Sunday. Lokomotiv remains at home to face Avangard Omsk on Saturday.