VLADIVOSTOK (Interstat) — Barys will visit Admiral in a Kontinental Hockey League game Friday at Fetisov Arena in Vladivostok, Primorsky Krai, with both teams looking to build momentum in a crowded early-season race.

Barys enters with a 12-10 record. The visiting side most recently dropped a 2-1 decision at Traktor. Mason Morelli is the player to watch for Barys. The forward scored in that latest result and has been one of the club’s more consistent offensive threats during its recent run. Morelli also recorded two assists in a 4-2 win at Shanghai and one assist in a 1-0 win at Dinamo Minsk. He had two assists in the previous meeting with Admiral, a 5-4 overtime loss at Fetisov Arena, and has shown an ability to contribute on the scoresheet in a variety of roles. Barys will need that production to continue against an Admiral side that has been strong at home.

Admiral is 10-12 and comes in off a 4-0 home win over SKA. Goaltender Nikita Boyarkin is the player to watch for the home team. Boyarkin stopped all 39 shots he faced in that most recent victory and has been busy and effective throughout his recent appearances. He made 36 saves in a 4-3 win at Neftekhimik, 26 saves in a 3-1 win at Lada and 33 saves in a 5-4 win over Barys. Boyarkin also recorded a 23-save shutout against Salavat Yulaev. His form gives Admiral a reliable presence in net and puts pressure on Barys to generate quality chances rather than simply volume.

The most recent head-to-head meeting went Admiral’s way, a 5-4 overtime victory over Barys at Fetisov Arena. That result could carry some weight in a matchup that has produced offense and tight finishes. Admiral will aim to use home ice and Boyarkin’s recent play to control the game, while Barys will look to Morelli and a balanced attack to answer.

Barys will continue its road stretch after this game, while Admiral remains in the middle of a demanding portion of its schedule. The matchup figures to test each team’s depth and special teams as both clubs try to stabilize their records. Barys has shown it can win low-scoring games and produce offense in bursts, but Admiral’s recent goaltending has been a difference-maker. The home side will try to establish an early lead and protect it, while Barys will seek to capitalize on transition chances and avoid falling behind in a difficult road environment.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Admiral 3, Barys 2. The over/under for the game is 5.5.