MOSCOW (Interstat) — The latest chapter in one of hockey’s most storied rivalries will be written Thursday when Spartak Moscow hosts CSKA Moscow in a Kontinental Hockey League clash at Luzhniki Minor Arena.

The matchup features two teams in lockstep this season, each with identical 28-25 records across all competitions. The season series, however, has tilted toward the army club. CSKA has won two of three meetings this campaign, including a 2-1 victory on Jan. 11. Spartak’s lone win came at home, a 3-2 decision on Oct. 28, 2025.

CSKA arrives riding the hot hand of goaltender Dmitry Gamzin, the clear player to watch. He is 4-1-0 in his last five starts with two shutouts, including a 26-save performance in a 1-0 win over Red Star Kunlun on Feb. 5. Over that stretch, he has stopped 123 of 129 shots for a .954 save percentage, providing a formidable last line of defense.

Spartak will counter with offensive defenseman Daniil R. Orlov, who has goals in two of his last three games. His physical, active style from the blue line will be key in generating chances against CSKA’s structured defense and Gamzin.

The Red-Whites of Spartak look to rebound after a 3-2 home loss to Dynamo Moscow on Tuesday. Prior to that, they had won three straight, outscoring opponents 15-3. CSKA has found a rhythm, winning five of its last six games, with the only loss a narrow 2-1 defeat to Avangard Omsk on Jan. 15. Their recent success has been built on tight defense, allowing two or fewer goals in four of those five wins.

With both teams knotted in the standings and playoff positioning at stake, the intensity of the Moscow derby will be heightened. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. local start.

UP NEXT:

CSKA: Visits Red Star Kunlun on Sunday. Spartak: Hosts Dinamo Minsk on Sunday.