ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Interstat) — A surging Severstal Cherepovets squad, led by a hot hand in Ruslan Abrosimov, visits an inconsistent SKA Saint Petersburg team boasting a recent shutout from goaltender Sergei Vl. Ivanov in a key Kontinental Hockey League matchup Wednesday at Ice Palace Saint Petersburg.

The visiting Severstal (35-22-0) enters with momentum, having won three of its last four games, including a 3-1 victory over Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk on Sunday. Forward Ruslan Abrosimov was pivotal in that win, scoring a goal and adding an assist. He has recorded points in five of his last eight contests.

They face an SKA (24-22-1) side searching for consistency. The club followed a dominant 4-0 shutout of Salavat Yulaev Ufa on Feb. 16, where Ivanov stopped all 35 shots he faced, with a disappointing 3-2 overtime loss to Red Star Kunlun in its last outing. Ivanov’s performance against Ufa marked a bright spot in a recent stretch where SKA has split its last six decisions.

This game is a quick rematch, with SKA having secured a 3-1 road victory in Cherepovets on Feb. 5. SKA also won the prior meeting 6-4 on Nov. 26, 2025, giving them a 2-0 edge in the season series.

Severstal’s superior overall record positions them as a formidable road challenge, but SKA has historically held the upper hand in the head-to-head matchup. The home team will rely on Ivanov to replicate his shutout form, while Severstal will look to Abrosimov and goaltender Alexander Samoilov, who made 26 saves in the Sunday win, to reverse the recent trend against SKA.

The contest kicks off a pivotal stretch for both clubs. Severstal embarks on a demanding road trip through Chelyabinsk, Astana and Magnitogorsk after this game. SKA begins a crucial homestand, with CSKA Moscow visiting on Saturday.

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