Preview: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod at Salavat Yulaev Ufa

UFA, Russia (Interstat) — A surging Salavat Yulaev Ufa squad will look to continue its climb up the Kontinental Hockey League standings when it hosts the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Ufa Arena.

The home team enters on a three-game winning streak, including a 4-3 overtime victory against Ak Bars Kazan on Wednesday. Defenseman Sergei Varlov, a key physical presence, recorded an assist in that win and has been a consistent force, registering a hit in nine consecutive games.

Salavat Yulaev (25-26) has found form in late January, winning five of its last seven contests. The team will rely on its recent defensive structure, having allowed just five total goals during its current win streak.

They face a Torpedo team (29-21) seeking to rebound from a 3-2 overtime loss to Severstal Cherepovets on Wednesday. Despite the setback, Torpedo has been strong overall, winning seven of its last 11 games.

Forward Alexander Yaremchuk, who scored Torpedo’s lone goal in the previous meeting between these clubs — a 4-3 Torpedo win on Sept. 6, 2025 — netted a goal in the loss to Severstal. He will be a central figure in the visitors’ attack.

Torpedo’s recent results have been volatile, featuring both a 6-0 shutout of SKA St. Petersburg and several high-scoring defeats. Consistency will be their focus against a Salavat Yulaev team growing in confidence on home ice.

The matchup pits Torpedo’s superior overall record against Salavat Yulaev’s recent momentum. A victory for the hosts would significantly close the gap in the standings, while Torpedo aims to solidify its playoff position as the season enters its final stretch.

Following this contest, Torpedo begins a lengthy road trip to the Far East, facing Admiral Vladivostok on Monday. Salavat Yulaev remains at home to host Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk on Monday.