Preview: Neftekhimik at Sibir, KHL

NOVOSIBIRSK, Russia (Interstat) — The Kontinental Hockey League’s Eastern Conference playoff race intensifies Wednesday when Sibir Novosibirsk hosts Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk at Ice Sports Palace Sibir.

Neftekhimik (27-25-0) enters with a firmer hold on a postseason position, while Sibir (23-31-0) seeks to close ground in the standings. The visitors won the most recent meeting 3-1 here on Jan. 17, part of a strong mid-January stretch.

However, Neftekhimik arrives off back-to-back regulation losses, including a 2-1 defeat at Salavat Yulaev Ufa on Monday. Forward Nikita Khoruzhev, a key player to watch, scored their lone goal in that contest. He has recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in his last 10 games and was a factor in the previous win over Sibir with an assist.

Sibir, conversely, brings momentum from a 3-2 shootout victory over Ak Bars Kazan on Monday. Goaltender Mikhail Berdin was stellar with 33 saves and is the central figure for the home side. Berdin has been outstanding recently, posting a 5-1-0 record in his last six appearances with a .955 save percentage over that span, giving Sibir a chance nightly despite their record.

The teams have split two games this season. After Sibir’s 3-2 shootout win in Nizhnekamsk on Oct. 12, Neftekhimik answered with the two-goal victory here three weeks ago.

For Neftekhimik, maintaining offensive pressure against Berdin will be critical. Their recent scoring has dipped, managing just two total goals in the two losses after a 7-1-0 run. Sibir’s challenge is to translate Berdin’s excellence into more consistent results, as they have alternated wins and losses in their last five games.

The matchup sets up a classic contrast: Neftekhimik’s quest to rediscover its scoring touch against a Sibir team fueled by elite goaltending. The result could significantly impact the tightening conference playoff picture.

Following this game, the teams will meet again in Nizhnekamsk on Feb. 22.