Preview: Severstal Hosts Salavat Yulaev in KHL Clash

CHEREPOVETS, Russia (Interstat) — A stark contrast in fortunes will be on display Thursday when the Kontinental Hockey League’s Severstal hosts Salavat Yulaev at Ice Palace.

The home side enters with one of the league’s stronger records at 24-12, positioning itself firmly in the playoff picture. The visiting Salavat Yulaev squad is mired in a difficult season, sitting at 14-21 and in need of a turnaround.

The teams last met on Nov. 14, a 4-3 overtime victory for Severstal in Ufa. They will face each other again on Dec. 28 in the return fixture.

Severstal has been strong on home ice and is looking to rebound from a 4-1 road loss to Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg on Dec. 5. Their most recent action was a 3-2 home win over Lada Togliatti on Dec. 7, fueled by a two-goal performance from forward Adam Liska. Liska, a player to watch, has three goals in his last five games.

Salavat Yulaev seeks to stop a skid after a 6-3 road loss to Ak Bars Kazan on Tuesday. Despite the defeat, forward Devin Brosseau was a bright spot, registering a goal and an assist with a season-high eight shots on goal. Brosseau has been a rare consistent offensive threat for Ufa, tallying six goals and two assists over his last 10 contests.

The matchup pits Severstal’s structured success against a Salavat Yulaev team reliant on individual performances like Brosseau’s to spark an upset. Severstal’s depth and home-ice advantage make them the clear favorite, but Salavat Yulaev’s desperation could provide an early test.

Following this game, Severstal will host CSKA Moscow on Dec. 23. Salavat Yulaev returns home to face Ak Bars Kazan on Dec. 20.