UFA, Russia (Interstat) — The Kontinental Hockey League’s top team visits a club fighting for playoff positioning Friday when Metallurg Magnitogorsk faces Salavat Yulaev Ufa at Ufa Arena.

Metallurg (41-11-0) arrives as the league’s dominant force, riding a three-game win streak and having secured victories in 12 of its last 13 contests. Its most recent was a 4-1 triumph over Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg on Tuesday. Defenseman Valery Orekhov has been a catalyst, firing a remarkable 11 shots on goal in that victory as part of a consistent offensive push from the blue line. In his last eight games, Orekhov has contributed three points (1 goal, 2 assists) while maintaining a heavy shooting presence.

Salavat Yulaev (27-26-0), sitting just above the playoff line, counters with momentum of its own. The Ufa-based club has won five consecutive games, largely behind stellar goaltending. Semyon Vyazovoi is expected to start after backstopping all five wins in that streak, posting a .955 save percentage and allowing just seven total goals over that span. His last outing was a 35-save performance in a 2-1 win over Neftekhimik on Feb. 2.

The season series has favored the visitors. Metallurg won the last meeting 6-4 on Oct. 16, 2025, in Magnitogorsk, though Salavat Yulaev took the previous matchup 3-2 in overtime on Sept. 8.

The clash presents a classic showdown between Metallurg’s high-powered attack, which has averaged over four goals per game during its hot stretch, and Salavat Yulaev’s recently airtight defense anchored by Vyazovoi. A Salavat Yulaev victory would provide a crucial boost to its postseason hopes and solidify its recent form. For Metallurg, it is an opportunity to further distance itself from the pack and avenge its early-season overtime loss.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest could be a high-scoring affair, projecting a 6-5 victory for Salavat Yulaev.

Following Friday’s game, Metallurg continues a road swing at Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg on Sunday. Salavat Yulaev heads to SKA Saint Petersburg on Monday.