Preview of KHL Game Between Amur and Metallurg M

MAGNITOGORSK, Russia (Interstat) — The Kontinental Hockey League’s top team, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, hosts the struggling Amur Khabarovsk on Friday at Arena Metallurg in a matchup of clubs at opposite ends of the standings.

Metallurg (42-13-1) enters as the clear favorite, boasting the league’s best record and riding a wave of success that includes a 3-2 overtime victory over Barys Astana on Tuesday. Forwards Ruslan Iskhakov and Derek Barach powered that win, each scoring a goal.

The home team has dominated the recent series, winning all three meetings this season. Most recently, Metallurg defeated Amur 4-2 on Jan. 24 in Magnitogorsk. Defenseman Alexei Maklyukov, a player to watch for Metallurg, logged four penalty minutes in that contest. Maklyukov has contributed two assists over his last six games.

Amur (20-36-1) sits near the bottom of the league but arrives with a flicker of momentum after a 2-1 overtime road win against Sibir Novosibirsk on Wednesday. Defenseman Ivan Mishchenko led the way with a goal and an assist, while forward Alex Broadhurst scored the overtime winner.

Defenseman Raul Akmaldinov, a physical presence for Amur, recorded two hits in that victory and will be a player to watch. However, Amur’s overall form remains inconsistent, having lost six of its last ten games.

The stark contrast in records sets the stage for a daunting challenge for the visiting Tigers against the Metallurg machine. Metallurg will look to continue its push for the top playoff seed, while Amur seeks a rare upset to build on its most recent result.

Following this game, Metallurg hosts Admiral Vladivostok on Sunday. Amur continues its road trip at Avangard Omsk on Sunday.