ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Interstat) — A surging Dinamo Minsk squad will look to avenge a recent loss when it visits SKA Saint Petersburg in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup Monday at Ice Palace Saint Petersburg.

The visiting Minsk side (25-16-0) enters with the stronger overall record and momentum from a 3-2 road victory over Dynamo Moscow on Saturday. SKA (20-16-1) seeks to regain footing after a 3-2 overtime home loss to Red Star Kunlun on Oct. 1, a result that snapped a modest two-game win streak.

Dinamo Minsk forward Vitaly Pinchuk is a central figure, riding a hot streak with 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in his last 10 games. He recorded a goal and an assist in Saturday’s win. SKA will counter with defenseman Danila Galenyuk, who logged an assist in the teams’ last meeting—a 4-1 SKA home win over Minsk on Dec. 26.

That December contest represents the only previous matchup this season, giving SKA a psychological edge. However, Dinamo Minsk has been formidable offensively, averaging over three goals per game in January despite a 3-3-0 record for the month.

SKA has struggled for consistency, posting a 3-3-1 record since the calendar turned. Their offense has been sporadic, scoring more than three goals only twice in that seven-game span.

The game is the first of a home-and-home set, with the teams scheduled to meet again in Minsk on Feb. 3. Monday’s result will set the tone for that quick rematch and could impact positioning in the tightly contested Western Conference standings.

For Dinamo Minsk, the contest opens a critical three-game road trip before returning home. SKA begins a stretch of three home games in its next four, offering a chance to build momentum in front of its supporters.

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