NOVOSIBIRSK, Russia (Interstat) — A surging Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, powered by a goaltender on a historic streak, visits a struggling Sibir Novosibirsk in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup Saturday at Ice Sports Palace Sibir.

The visiting Neftekhimik (24-23-0) arrives with momentum, having won four of its last five games. That run has been anchored by goaltender Yaroslav Ozolin, who has posted shutouts in his last two starts, stopping all 63 shots he faced against Ak Bars Kazan and Barys Astana. In his last four appearances, Ozolin has a .971 save percentage.

Sibir (18-28-0), sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, looks to build on a 3-2 victory over Severstal Cherepovets on Tuesday. Forward Mikhail B. Abramov was the catalyst in that win, scoring two goals and adding an assist. He has points in three of his last four games.

The teams last met on Oct. 12, 2025, when Sibir earned a 3-2 shootout victory in Nizhnekamsk.

Neftekhimik’s recent success contrasts sharply with Sibir’s inconsistent form. The Novosibirsk side has lost six of its last ten games and has been outscored 22-12 in its four losses since the New Year. Their defense will be tested against a Neftekhimik team that has scored three or more goals in three of its last four wins.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projection favors the home team with a predicted final score of Sibir 4, Neftekhimik 2. However, that model will contend with the current form of Ozolin, who has emerged as the definitive player to watch.

For Sibir, containing Neftekhimik’s offensive contributors like German Tochilkin, who scored the lone goal in Thursday’s 1-0 win, will be critical. Abramov’s offensive production will be equally vital for a Sibir squad that ranks among the lowest-scoring teams in the league.

Saturday’s contest is the first of two meetings between the clubs in a matter of weeks, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 4 in Novosibirsk.