Before the match Barys vs. Ak Bars

The next opponent for Barys in their home series will be one of the Eastern Conference leaders, Ak Bars. Before arriving in Astana, the Kazan team had an impressive home series, securing seven out of a possible eight points in four games. However, in their last match, the team from the Tatarstan capital lost in a shootout to Lokomotiv (2-3). Ak Bars' leading forward, Alexander Barabanov, scored twice, while their goalie Amir Miftakhov stopped 24 shots on goal. Head coach Anvar Gatiyatulin praised his team for their resilience, character, and discipline.

In 19 games, Kazan has accumulated 25 points. Their top scorer, Alexander Barabanov, has registered 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists). Goalie Amir Miftakhov is the league's best in both goals-against average (1.68) and save percentage (94.3%).

On Sunday, Barys won in a shootout against Neftekhimik, moving up from the bottom of the standings. Kirill Savitsky celebrated his return from injury with a power-play goal. Batyrlan Muratov recorded his first point of the season and scored the decisive shot. Goalie Nikita Boyarkin made 31 saves, improving his goals-against average (2.2) and save percentage (93). Head coach Galym Mambetaliev commented that his team had a rough first period but later regrouped, equalized the score, and nearly clinched the win in regulation.

The Kazakh team currently has 13 points after 21 games. Alikhan Omirbekov (3 goals, 4 assists) remains their top scorer. Damir Zhafyarov, who suffered a fracture while blocking a shot against Nizhnekamsk, will be moved to the injured list soon. Viktor Antipin is also in recovery, while Roman Starchenko has resumed training with the main group.

The teams previously met in September in Kazan, where the hosts confidently won 5-0.

The Barys vs. Ak Bars game begins at 19:30 Astana time.

Tickets are available at the Barys Arena box office and on our website, .

The game will be broadcast live on Qazsport, KHL, and KHL Prime.

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