Preview: Spartak Moscow at Severstal Cherepovets

CHEREPOVETS, Russia (Interstat) — The surging Severstal Cherepovets host the inconsistent Spartak Moscow in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup Tuesday at Ice Palace.

Severstal (27-15-0) enters on a strong run, having won four of its last five games, including a 4-2 victory over Lada Togliatti on Saturday. The club sits comfortably in playoff position and has been particularly formidable on home ice.

Spartak (21-20-0) is looking to build momentum after a wild 7-6 shootout win at Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday. That victory snapped a two-game skid, but the Red-Whites have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses frequently over the past month.

The season series favors the hosts. Severstal has won both meetings this season: 2-1 in Moscow on Sept. 11 and 4-3 in Moscow on Nov. 14.

A key matchup will feature two hot hands. Spartak defenseman Daniil R. Orlov is coming off a two-goal, four-shot performance against Torpedo and has three points in his last two games. His offensive production from the blue line will be crucial for the visitors.

For Severstal, forward David Dumbadze poses a major threat. He scored two goals on four shots in the win over Lada and has been a consistent offensive catalyst.

Spartak’s recent games have been high-scoring affairs, with six of their last eight involving seven or more total goals. Severstal has played tighter contests, with their last five all decided by two goals or fewer.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 4-2 victory for Severstal.

The game is the first of a home back-to-back for Severstal, which hosts Dinamo Minsk on Thursday. Spartak continues a road swing at CSKA Moscow on Sunday.