Preview: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod at Dynamo Moscow

MOSCOW (Interstat) — A surging Dynamo Moscow squad will host a struggling Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod team in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup Monday at VTB Ice Palace.

Dynamo (25-17-0) enters on a high note after a 3-0 shutout victory over HC Sochi on Jan. 7. Goaltender Vladislav Podyapolsky, who stopped all 23 shots in that win, is expected to start. He has been a key factor in Dynamo’s success, posting shutouts in two of his last four starts.

Conversely, Torpedo (23-19-0) is looking to halt a skid after a crushing 7-6 loss to Severstal Cherepovets on Saturday. Despite the defeat, forward Vasily Atanasov continued his hot streak, scoring two goals. He has five goals in his last four games and will be the focal point of Torpedo’s offense.

The head-to-head series this season has been dominated by Dynamo, which outscored Torpedo 8-1 across two victories, including a 4-0 win in Moscow on Dec. 1.

Dynamo’s defensive structure, backed by Podyapolsky, will be tested by a Torpedo attack that scores but has been plagued by inconsistency. Torpedo has lost five of its last seven games, often in high-scoring affairs, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.

The game is a crucial pivot point for both clubs in the KHL standings. Dynamo aims to solidify its position among the conference leaders, while Torpedo desperately needs points to stabilize its playoff footing.

Following this game, Dynamo will prepare for a derby against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday. Torpedo continues a difficult road stretch before hosting Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on Jan. 14.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. local time.