Preview: Admiral vs. Spartak, KHL

MOSCOW (Interstat) — The struggling Admiral Vladivostok (15-43) face a steep challenge on the road Thursday against Spartak Moscow (30-28) in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup at Luzhniki Minor Arena.

Admiral enters on a five-game losing skid, including a 4-2 loss at SKA Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. The club has managed only two victories in its last 10 contests. Forward Kyle Olson has been a rare bright spot, scoring a goal in that loss to SKA and registering four goals in his last eight games. He will need to continue that production for a team that has consistently struggled to score.

Spartak, meanwhile, looks to build momentum after a 5-3 victory over Salavat Yulaev Ufa on Sunday snapped a two-game slide. Sitting closer to playoff contention in the Western Conference, the Red-Whites have been inconsistent but potent at home. Defenseman Roman Bychkov is a key piece of their blue line, contributing steady minutes.

The teams’ only previous meeting this season was a 4-3 shootout victory for Spartak in Vladivostok on Oct. 17, 2025. Admiral will aim to avenge that narrow defeat but faces a daunting 4,300-mile trip to the Russian capital.

For Spartak, this contest begins a crucial three-game homestand against Eastern Conference foes as they push for postseason positioning. Admiral continues a lengthy road trip before finally returning to the Russian Far East next week.

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