Sibir Novosibirsk vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Prediction 4 February 2026
🔊 Having pulled off three remarkable comebacks in the last 10 days, Sibir are set to host Neftekhimik, who have struggled against the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Can the team from Nizhnekamsk manage to secure at least a point on this road trip? Let's analyze this KHL regular season matchup and provide an insightful prediction for the game on February 4.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past five seasons, the teams have clashed 18 times: Novosibirsk claimed victory in 12 encounters, while Nizhnekamsk triumphed in 6. Notably, Nizhnekamsk have secured points in their last four games against the Siberians. This season, the teams have met twice: in Tatarstan, Sibir emerged victorious (3-2 SO), while in Novosibirsk, Neftekhimik won (3-1).
Head-to-head statistics Sibir Novosibirsk - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
Sibir Novosibirsk Team Overview
Novosibirsk have clinched victory in 5 of their last 6 matches, with three of those wins worthy of being ranked in the "Comeback of the Season" category. Yaroslav Luzhkov's team twice rallied from 0-2 down against Ak Bars, ultimately winning in shootouts, and managed to turn a 1-2 deficit into a 4-2 victory against Torpedo with just a minute left on the clock.
The "Snowmen" are eager to secure their hold on the eighth spot in the East. Despite having a six-point lead over Amur (51 points to 45), it's misleading as the "Tigers" have two games in hand. Sibir urgently need to improve their home performance, given their second-to-last position in conference home points. The series before and after the All-Star break in Novosibirsk should work in their favor.
Despite a 1-3 loss to Traktor, the coaching staff decided not to change the lineup of skaters, making only a switch in goal with Mikhail Berdin returning. Novosibirsk still have defenseman Daniil Valitov and forwards Mikhail Abramov, Valentin Pyanov, and Ilya Fedotov listed as injured.
Match Results: Sibir Novosibirsk
Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Team Overview
The "Wolves" have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in a month. Their seven-game losing streak was initially broken by Ak Bars (6-1), followed by a defeat to the in-form Salavat Yulaev (2-1). These consecutive losses have pushed Neftekhimik out of the top five, with Ufa overtaking them (58 points to 57).
Among the Eastern Conference teams, Neftekhimik have played the fewest games. They'll need to catch up in late February with matches in the Far East. However, based on points lost in away games, the Nizhnekamsk side confidently remain among the top four in the East.
After almost a month, Neftekhimik's main goalkeeper, Filipp Dolganov, has returned to the lineup. Against Ufa on the road, Matvey Nadvorny did not play, and his spot was filled by Danila Kvartalnov, who hadn't played in three weeks. Meanwhile, German Tochilkin took Nikita Artamonov's place on the first line.
Match Results: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
⚡️ Key Players
For Sibir, the leading scorers remain defenseman Yegor Alanov (27 points, 4 goals and 23 assists) and Semyon Koshelev (26 points, 10 goals and 16 assists). However, Anton Kosolapov has been showcasing impressive form recently, tallying 3 goals and 3 assists over the last six games. Timur Akhiyarov, a defenseman for Sibir, ranks among the top three in the KHL for blocked shots with 119.
Neftekhimik's main offensive hope is Andrey Belozyorov, the second-leading goal scorer in the KHL this season. With 24 goals, he has tied the club’s single-season scoring record, and his next goal will set a new benchmark. Yevgeny Mityakin leads the Tatarstan club in assists with 19.
🥅 Goalies
After replacing Anton Krasotkin following a loss to Traktor, goaltender Mikhail Berdin made 33 saves against Ak Bars, boasting a save percentage of 94.3% and securing two shootout stops. In January, Berdin has kept his save percentage above 90% in all but one game.
Returning to Neftekhimik's lineup, Filipp Dolganov immediately made headlines with his "Hand of God" save of the week. Against Salavat Yulaev, Dolganov recorded 19 saves with a save percentage of 90.5%.
Editor's Prediction
Sibir face immense pressure in their final games as they battle for a playoff spot. Yaroslav Luzhenkov's squad manage to defeat strong opponents but have yet to gain a significant advantage over Amur in the standings. However, they handle this pressure well, holding a slight points lead and having a week of rest ahead for most players.
In head-to-head matchups, Sibir have not lost to Neftekhimik in regulation time on home ice in 10 out of the last 11 encounters. Given the current circumstances and the strong support from the stands, they could even aim for a regulation win. To be cautious, though, we'll back Sibir to win with a handicap (0).
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Betting Tips: Sibir Novosibirsk - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
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