Salavat Yulaev UFA vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Prediction 2 February 2026
π What will be the outcome when these Eastern Conference neighbors clash? This coming Monday, weβre in for an intriguing matchup between Salavat Yulaev and Neftekhimik at the Ufa Arena. Both teams have their weaknesses and strengths. The key question is: who will better capitalize on their advantages and neutralize the opposition? Bookmakers are giving a slight edge to the "Greens," primarily due to the home-ice advantage.
Head-to-Head
π In their last 7 head-to-head encounters, Salavat Yulaev have suffered just one defeat to Neftekhimik. This loss occurred on the Nizhnekamsk ice at the beginning of the current regular season, ending 1-0, with Evgeny Mityakin scoring the only goal. Nizhnekamsk haven't secured a victory at the "Ufa-Arena" for over two years, with their last success there dating back to November 2023 (4-3).
Head-to-head statistics Salavat Yulaev UFA - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk

Salavat Yulaev UFA Team Overview
π’ Viktor Kozlov's squad are in fine form, stringing together three consecutive victories. Currently, the "Greens" sit comfortably in 6th place on the league table, having amassed 56 points from 52 games. Despite their pragmatic style of play, Salavat Yulaev's tactical approach resonates with hockey fans. Their average performance stats show 2.6 goals scored per game while conceding 2.56. This past Saturday, Viktor Kozlov's team secured a hard-fought victory over Torpedo, winning 3-1. The club's head coach commented on his team's performance: βIt was tough for Salavat, but I liked the way we played. Panin needs to come up with his own celebration; the 'bird' is already patented.β
Match Results: Salavat Yulaev UFA

Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Team Overview
βͺ Nizhnekamsk are no pushovers either, having secured victories in 7 of their last 8 games. However, over the weekend, their winning streak was halted by a heavy defeat to Ak Bars (1-6). Here's what Neftekhimik's head coach Igor Grishin had to say about it: "Right from the start, Neftekhimik began taking penalties. We played shorthanded frequently and expended a lot of energy. The break took its toll; it's hard to substitute for match practice." Currently, the Nizhnekamsk squad sits in 5th place in the standings, having accumulated 57 points from 51 games. Let's take a look at the average statistical performance of the "Wolf Pack"-they score 2.65 goals per game while conceding 2.8. The main offensive force for Neftekhimik is Andrey Belozerov, boasting a record of 24 goals and 17 assists in 50 regular-season games.
Match Results: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
π Probable Lineups
Salavat Yulaev: Vyazovoy - Panin, Zorkin - Rodwald, Rempal, Brosso
Neftekhimik: Ozolin - Serikov, Pastukhov - Artamonov, Dergachyov, Shafigullin
π₯ Goalkeepers
Semyon Vyazovoy is already regarded as one of the most reliable goaltenders in the KHL. This season, the 22-year-old Russian has participated in 39 regular-season games, boasting a save percentage of 93.01% and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.16. He also has one shutout to his name.
In recent matches, Yaroslav Ozolin has been an indispensable figure for Neftekhimik. His personal stats over 18 games in the current regular season include a save percentage of 92.05%, a GAA of 2.66, and two shutouts.
Editor's Prediction
Salavat Yulaev have emerged from their early season slump, and Viktor Kozlov's squad no longer look like easy prey for opponents. Their home ice should also provide an advantage in the upcoming clash against Neftekhimik. Additionally, the heavy defeat suffered by the "Wolf Pack" over the weekend is likely to impact the players' mental state. The editorial choice is a victory for Salavat Yulaev.