Preview: Avangard Hosts Avtomobilist in KHL Clash

BALASHIKHA, Russia (Interstat) — Two teams on opposite ends of the Kontinental Hockey League form chart will meet Thursday when the surging Avangard Omsk hosts the inconsistent Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg at Balashikha Arena.

Avangard (35-15-0) enters as one of the league’s hottest teams, having won seven of its last eight games. Its most recent victory was a convincing 4-1 road win over Dynamo Moscow on Feb. 1. Center Michael McLeod has been instrumental in that run, posting eight points (5 goals, 3 assists) in his last nine games. He scored twice and added an assist against Dynamo and also netted the overtime winner in a 2-1 victory over Avtomobilist just two weeks ago on Jan. 22.

Avtomobilist (29-22-0) has been streaky, alternating wins and losses recently. It is coming off a 4-1 road win at Admiral Vladivostok on Jan. 31, where forward Anatoly Golyshev scored one of his team’s goals and fired a season-high seven shots on net. Golyshev has points in three of his last five games.

The season series between these clubs has been tightly contested. Three of the last four meetings have been decided by a single goal, with two requiring overtime. Avangard won the most recent encounter 2-1 in OT on Jan. 22, but Avtomobilist took the two prior matches, including a 4-1 win in Omsk on Oct. 6.

Avangard’s strength has been its consistent ability to find ways to win, boasting a formidable record on home ice. Avtomobilist, while capable of offensive outbursts, has struggled for consistency, particularly against the league’s upper echelon.

The game will be the first of a home-and-home set between the teams, who will meet again in Yekaterinburg on Feb. 24. For Avangard, a win would solidify its position near the top of the Eastern Conference. For Avtomobilist, securing points on the road against a conference leader is crucial for playoff positioning.

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