ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (Interstat) — A surging Severstal Cherepovets squad, led by a red-hot Adam Liska, visits an SKA Saint Petersburg team seeking consistency in a key Kontinental Hockey League clash Friday at Ice Palace Saint Petersburg.

The visiting Severstal (39-26-0) enters with momentum, having won three of its last four, including a 3-1 road victory at Lada Togliatti on Wednesday. Forward Adam Liska scored in that win, extending a torrid personal point streak. He has recorded four goals and two assists in his last five games, establishing himself as Severstal’s primary offensive threat.

SKA (29-25-1) looks to rebound from a disappointing 3-2 overtime home loss to Red Star Kunlun on Oct. 1, a result that snapped a three-game winning streak. The Saint Petersburg club has been erratic at home lately, posting a 3-3-0 record in its last six at Ice Palace.

The season series is tied 1-1-1, with the most recent meeting a 3-2 shootout victory for Severstal in this building on Feb. 18. SKA won the prior matchup 3-1 in Cherepovets on Feb. 5.

SKA will counter with its own veteran scoring leader in Sergei Plotnikov. The forward has been prolific, notching seven goals and six assists over his last 10 contests. He recorded a hat trick in a 7-0 rout of Barys Astana on March 2 and posted two goals and an assist in his last outing against Dinamo Minsk.

The game pits Severstal’s superior overall record against SKA’s need to secure points and improve its playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Severstal has shown a knack for close games, with its last three wins coming by one goal, including two in overtime.

Following Friday’s contest, Severstal returns home to face Ak Bars Kazan on Monday. SKA embarks on a road trip, visiting Traktor Chelyabinsk on Monday.

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