NIZHNEKAMSK, Russia (Interstat) — The Kontinental Hockey League’s Eastern Conference playoff picture will come into sharper focus Sunday when Neftekhimik hosts Sibir at SCC Arena.

Neftekhimik (29-29-0) sits just outside the playoff cutline, needing points to solidify its postseason push. Sibir (25-34-0), despite a challenging season, arrives looking to play spoiler and build momentum after a recent shootout loss to Avangard Omsk on Friday.

The home team holds a decisive recent advantage in the season series, having won the last two meetings convincingly. Neftekhimik defeated Sibir 5-2 in Novosibirsk on Feb. 4 and 3-1 on Jan. 17. Sibir’s lone victory came via shootout, 3-2, in Nizhnekamsk back on Oct. 12.

A key matchup will feature Sibir forward Andy Andreoff against Neftekhimik goaltender Filipp Dolganov. Andreoff has been a bright spot for Sibir, recording five goals and two assists in his last 10 games, including a goal in Friday’s loss. His physical, net-front presence will test Dolganov.

The Neftekhimik netminder is coming off a stellar 37-save shutout performance in a 2-0 victory over Spartak Moscow on Friday. However, his form has been inconsistent; prior to the shutout, he had lost four consecutive starts. He was the winning goalie in the Feb. 4 victory over Sibir, making 25 saves.

Sibir’s form has been uneven, mixing blowout wins like a 10-1 triumph over HC Sochi with narrow defeats. They have lost three of their last four, all by a single goal (two in extra time). Neftekhimik had lost four straight before halting the skid with its shutout win.

The game carries significant weight for Neftekhimik’s playoff aspirations as they embark on a lengthy road trip after this contest. For Sibir, it represents an opportunity to derail a conference rival and gain a measure of revenge for two prior defeats this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time.