Theoretically, both teams enter this game with a chance to qualify for the Champions Hockey League Round of 16. For Yunost Minsk, the path is simple – a regulation win on home ice will do it. They could also qualify with an OT win or OT loss, provided they finish ahead of either Lausanne HC or Oceláři Třinec in points, as they would lose all tie-breaking scenarios with both teams. For the Lahti Pelicans, things are a bit more difficult. First of all, they’ll have to win this game by at least eight goals. Even if they get that, they’ll still only advance if Třinec lose their game in regulation time. Last week, Yunost won 4-2 in Lahti.

A two-point performance by forward Maxim Maltsev in last week’s game gives him a team-leading seven points in the CHL. Yunost will try to become the first Belarusian team to advance to the CHL’s Round of 16, and they hold their destiny in their own hands on home ice, where they’re very strong. Domestically, they’ve lost once and won once since last Tuesday’s game, and they’re currently placed third in the Belarusian Extraliga. In their most recent game, a 4-0 win in Lida, with Yan Shelepnyov posting the shutout.

Last week’s home loss has really put the Pelicans in a tight spot in their maiden CHL journey, and their chances of advancing are on life-support. Essentially, they need to force a three-way tie for second place in Group F and then advance on goal difference, which would require an eight-goal win. Failing that, they’ll just try to go out on a win. Since last week’s game, they’ve dropped two straight Liiga games and are right in the middle of the pack of the Finnish League. Veteran Juhamatti Aaltonen has six points for the team in the CHL.