UFA, Russia (Interstat) — A struggling Sibir Novosibirsk squad aims to halt a three-game slide when it visits Salavat Yulaev Ufa in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup Tuesday at Ufa Arena.

The visiting Sibir (25-35-0) are coming off a 1-0 road loss to Neftekhimik on Sunday, their second consecutive defeat by a single goal. Goaltender Anton Krasotkin, a key player to watch, was stellar in the loss, stopping 33 of 34 shots. He has been a workhorse for Sibir, facing an average of over 30 shots in his last five appearances, but the team has mustered only five goals of support in that span.

Salavat Yulaev (29-28-0), hovering near .500, looks to rebound after a 5-3 home loss to Spartak Moscow on Sunday. Defenseman Sergei Varlov, known for his physical play, will be a player to watch for the hosts. He recorded four hits in the loss and has been a consistent presence on the blue line, logging five hits in a 6-0 win over Traktor Chelyabinsk on Feb. 18.

The recent series has favored the home team. Salavat Yulaev won both meetings this season, each by a 5-2 score, on Oct. 23 in Novosibirsk and Oct. 1 in Ufa. Sibir’s last victory came via a shootout in Ufa on Sept. 24, 2025.

Sibir’s offense has been inconsistent, highlighted by a 10-goal outburst against HC Sochi on Feb. 10 followed by three games totaling just three goals. Salavat Yulaev has shown more balance recently, going 5-5-0 in its last 10 contests.

With the playoffs approaching, Salavat Yulaev seeks to solidify its positioning, while Sibir desperately needs points to keep its faint hopes alive. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time Tuesday, Feb. 24.