KHABAROVSK, Russia (Interstat) — The Kontinental Hockey League’s top team visits its cellar dweller Monday as the surging Metallurg Magnitogorsk face Amur Khabarovsk at Platinum Arena.

Metallurg M (35-10-0) brings a dominant nine-game winning streak to the Russian Far East, having outscored opponents 52-18 during the run. Their most recent victory was an 8-4 road win over Admiral Vladivostok on Saturday. Forward Derek Barach, a key player to watch, scored two goals and added an assist in that contest, continuing his hot streak with points in three of his last four games.

In stark contrast, Amur (15-30-0) has lost three straight and is mired in a deep slump, having been shut out in its last two games. The team managed just one goal in its last three contests. Goaltender Damir Shaimardanov has been a lone bright spot, making 41 saves in a 3-0 loss to Ak Bars Kazan on Saturday, but he has received scant offensive support.

The season series heavily favors the visitors. In their only previous meeting this season, on Nov. 7, Metallurg M defeated Amur 3-1 in Khabarovsk.

The matchup pits the league’s most potent offense against one of its most struggling. Metallurg’s attack, fueled by Barach and Sergei Tolchinsky (two goals, one assist vs. Admiral), has averaged over five goals per game during its streak. Amur’s anemic offense, which has failed to score in 120 consecutive minutes, will be challenged to solve Metallurg’s structured defense and goaltending.

For Amur, any hope of an upset likely rests on Shaimardanov replicating his recent high-volume performances and the team finding a way to generate sustained pressure. Metallurg will look to control play early and extend its commanding lead in the KHL standings.

Following Monday’s game, the teams are scheduled to meet again in Magnitogorsk on Saturday, Jan. 24. Metallurg continues a road-heavy schedule before returning home, while Amur embarks on a difficult stretch against several playoff-positioned clubs.