December 20, 13:30, Riga, Mogo Ice Arena.
The upcoming game is set to be the centerpiece of the Optibet Hockey League weekend, as the teams currently sitting first and second in the standings go head-to-head. Kyiv Capitals are one point ahead of their upcoming opponents, while also holding two games in hand.
The winning streaks of both Mogo/RSU and Kyiv Capitals are equally impressive. The Riga-based side has won 11 consecutive matches. Following the international break, Girts Ankipans’ team confidently defeated Prizma (8:3), and their most recent loss dates back to October 22.
Meanwhile, Oleg Tymchenko’s squad is riding a nine-game winning streak that began on the first day of November. An interesting detail is that both teams’ most recent defeats came at the hands of Zemgale/LBTU.
This matchup will be only the second head-to-head meeting between the sides. The previous encounter, held on October 1 at the same Mogo Arena, ended with a 3:2 victory for the Kyiv team.
With 117 goals scored so far, Mogo/RSU is the league’s most prolific offensive team. As a result, one of the key tasks for the visitors will be to contain their attacking momentum. Among individual statistics, Deivids Sarkanis stands out for the hosts, having collected 36 points (17 goals and 19 assists).
His closest pursuer in the championship is Kyiv Capitals captain Martins Karsums, who has recorded 33 points (12 goals and 21 assists).
Expectations among Ukrainian and Latvian hockey fans are extremely high ahead of this clash. We will soon find out who ends the week at the top of the standings.
