SOCHI SEEKS ROAD UPSET AGAINST SALAVAT YULAEV IN KHL ACTION

UFA, Russia (Interstat) — A struggling Sochi squad aims to disrupt Salavat Yulaev Ufa’s playoff positioning when the Kontinental Hockey League teams meet at Ufa Arena on Friday.

The visiting Leopards (17-46-0) enter on a four-game losing skid and own the league’s worst record. Their most recent outing was a 4-2 home loss to Ak Bars Kazan on Wednesday. In contrast, Salavat Yulaev (35-32-0) is fighting for a postseason berth and is coming off a strong 3-0 shutout victory over Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk on the same night.

The season series favors the home side. Salavat Yulaev has won two of the three meetings, including a 2-1 victory in Sochi on Jan. 24. Sochi’s lone win was a 2-1 home decision on Nov. 19.

A key matchup will feature Sochi’s most consistent offensive threat against Salavat Yulaev’s hot goaltender. Sochi forward Matvei Guskov has points in five of his last nine games, including a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over Avangard Omsk on March 6. He scored a goal in the loss to Ak Bars.

He will face Salavat Yulaev netminder Semyon Vyazovoi, who is coming off a 39-save shutout performance. In his last four starts, Vyazovoi has posted a .949 save percentage, giving the Ufa club stability in net as it makes a late-season push.

Sochi’s road has been difficult, with 10 losses in its last 12 games overall. The team has struggled to score consistently, being shut out twice in that span and averaging just over two goals per game.

Salavat Yulaev has been inconsistent but holds a clear advantage at home, where it has won three of its last four. Forwards Danil Alalykin and import Sheldon Rempal, who combined for three goals in the last game, will look to provide secondary scoring behind the team’s top line.

Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at Ufa Arena. With Salavat Yulaev needing every point to secure its playoff standing and Sochi playing the role of spoiler, the contest presents a classic late-season clash of motivations.