Preview of KHL Game: Spartak Moscow at Severstal Cherepovets

CHEREPOVETS, Russia (Interstat) — A tight playoff race in the Kontinental Hockey League’s Western Conference intensifies Monday when Severstal hosts Spartak Moscow at Ice Palace.

The home side enters with the stronger record at 33-19, while Spartak sits at 27-23. The teams have split two meetings this season, each winning on the other’s ice. Severstal took a 4-3 decision in Moscow on Nov. 14, but Spartak earned a 2-1 victory here in Cherepovets on Jan. 6.

Spartak arrives riding a wave of momentum, having won three straight, including a decisive 4-0 shutout of SKA Saint Petersburg on Friday. Goaltender Alexander Georgiyev stopped all 24 shots in that win, and forward Daniil Gutik contributed two goals and an assist. Defenseman Roman Bychkov, a player to watch for Spartak, has been a physical presence on the blue line during the streak.

Severstal is also coming off a victory, a 3-2 win over Dynamo Moscow on Friday, and has secured points in seven of its last 10 games (7-2-1). Defenseman Thomas Gregoire has been a key two-way contributor for Severstal. In eight January games, Gregoire recorded two goals and four assists, including a three-point afternoon (2a, 1g) in a win over Dinamo Minsk on Jan. 8.

The matchup pits Spartak’s recent defensive strength — allowing just two total goals in its last two games — against a consistent Severstal attack that has scored three or more goals in six of its last eight contests.

Following Monday’s game, Spartak travels to face Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on Wednesday. Severstal’s next contest is at home Thursday against SKA Saint Petersburg.

Game Facts: - Date: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. - Matchup: Spartak Moscow (27-23) at Severstal Cherepovets (33-19). - Arena: Ice Palace, Cherepovets, Russia. - Recent Form: Spartak has won three straight. Severstal is 7-2-1 in its last 10. - Season Series: Tied 1-1. Spartak won 2-1 in Cherepovets on Jan. 6. Severstal won 4-3 in Moscow on Nov. 14, 2025. - Players to Watch: Spartak — D Roman Bychkov. Severstal — D Thomas Gregoire.