YEKATERINBURG, Russia (Interstat) — A surging Dinamo Minsk squad will look to continue its strong form when it visits an inconsistent Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg in a Kontinental Hockey League matchup on Thursday.

The game at KRK Uralets pits two teams on different trajectories. Dinamo Minsk (19-10-0) arrives with the superior record, having won seven of its last ten contests. Its most recent outing was a 3-2 shootout loss at Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on Tuesday, snapping a three-game win streak. Defenseman Xavier Ouellet, a key player to watch, scored a goal in that loss and has been productive lately, tallying two goals and an assist in his last three games.

Avtomobilist (18-17-0) has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses recently. The home side is coming off a 4-1 defeat to Barys Astana on Tuesday, where goaltender Vladimir Galkin made 23 saves on 26 shots. Galkin, expected to start, has shouldered the load but has lost his last two starts, allowing seven goals on 51 shots.

Dinamo’s offense has been potent, scoring four or more goals in five of its last ten games, including a 7-3 rout of Ak Bars Kazan. Forwards like Alex Limoges, who had a goal and an assist against Lokomotiv, provide support. Goaltender Zach Fucale, who earned the win in that 7-3 victory, is likely to get the nod.

Avtomobilist will need to tighten its defense to counter Dinamo’s attack. Its home record has been a mixed bag, with a decisive 4-1 win over Severstal Cherepovets on Dec. 5 followed by a 6-5 shootout loss to Metallurg Magnitogorsk.

Historically, matches between these sides are often close. The contest begins a crucial pre-holiday stretch for both clubs. Dinamo aims to solidify its playoff positioning, while Avtomobilist seeks to climb back above .500 and into the postseason picture.

Following this game, Dinamo returns to Minsk for a four-game homestand, starting Sunday against Lada Togliatti. Avtomobilist remains at home to face Admiral Vladivostok on Sunday before embarking on a two-game road trip.