Metallurg vs Magnitka Prediction 5 April 2025
📢 How will the seventh match in the Metallurgists' Derby conclude? Novokuznetsk have staged a remarkable comeback from 0-3 to push the series to its limit. With the backing of their home crowd, Andrey Lunev's squad will aim to eliminate the young and ambitious team from Magnitogorsk in the 1/8 finals of the Petrov Cup.
Head-to-Head
During the regular season, the teams clashed twice. In early September, Novokuznetsk secured a victory with a 4-1 scoreline, while towards the end of the season, Magnitogorsk came out on top with a 3-2 win. In those encounters, 23-year-old forward Yegor Serdyuk from Novokuznetsk stood out, tallying a goal and three assists.
At the start of the first playoff round, things didn't go well for Novokuznetsk. They lost the first three matches to Magnitogorsk (1-4; 1-2; 0-2). However, they turned the tide by winning the last three games (2-1; 4-0; 3-2 OT). On March 29 and April 1, first-line forward Yegor Serdyuk once again emerged as a key scorer. In the final match, the Novokuznetsk forward shone again, notching up two assists.
Head-to-head statistics Metallurg - Magnitka
Metallurg Team Overview
"Kuznya" are a team with a rich history, having competed in the KHL for nine seasons. The club from Novokuznetsk clinched the regular season title with 94 points, edging out Dynamo Saint Petersburg by a single point.
Andrey Lunev's squad finally found their rhythm, securing three consecutive victories over Magnitka after a shaky start to the series. High expectations are placed on Daniil Apalkov, Dmitry Sokolov, and Alexander Perevalov. On April 3rd, the experienced Apalkov netted a brace, Sokolov scored on the power play, and Perevalov assisted Apalkov in the first period. Kuznya's excellent power play execution and discipline (8 penalty minutes compared to Magnitogorsk's 14) were crucial in clinching victory in the pivotal sixth game of the series.
Match Results: Metallurg
HC Magnitka Magnitogorsk Team Overview
Evgeny Polozov's squad secured the 16th spot in the regular season standings, accumulating 76 points. Founded just last year, Magnitka are newcomers to the league. From mid-February until the end of the regular season, the Magnitogorsk team delivered outstanding performances, suffering only one defeat to Gornyak from Verkhnyaya Pyshma with a 2-3 shootout loss.
In the playoffs, the team emerged as a true revelation, achieving three consecutive victories over the top team of the regular season. However, under mounting pressure, they failed to clinch any of the last three matches, allowing "Kuznya" to level the series.
In the latest game, the "Foxes" frequently found themselves shorthanded and conceded two power-play goals, which was the main reason for their defeat. It's worth noting Magnitogorsk's strong performance in face-offs, winning 35 compared to Kuznya's 26.
The series headliners are forward Innokenty Rybin and defenseman Danil Gololobov. The 22-year-old Gololobov scored and provided an assist in the last match on April 29. During the 2023/2024 season, the defenseman was a regular for Metallurg, appearing in 46 KHL games and tallying 5 points.
Match Results: HC Magnitka Magnitogorsk
🏒 Projected Lineups
Metallurg Novokuznetsk: Botov - Mineev, Petrikov - Perevalov, Apalkov, Serdyuk
Magnitka Magnitogorsk: Podskrebalin - Gololobov, Novikov - Shumilin, Grass, Fursa
🥅 Goaltenders
23-year-old Matvey Botov played 45 games in the VHL regular season, securing 27 wins and averaging 1.91 goals against per game. In the playoffs, the goaltender continues to perform consistently, with 129 saves and an impressive goals-against average of 1.56.
Magnitka's goaltender Nikita Podskrebalin is well-known to hockey fans for his performances with Traktor Chelyabinsk and Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the KHL. In six playoff games, he has already made 196 saves and boasts an excellent goals-against average of 1.69.
Editor's Prediction
Throughout the series, Magnitogorsk only suffered one heavy defeat to Kuznya, failing to score on April 1st. The other two games were closely contested, evidenced by their narrow one-goal losses. The "Foxes," featuring Podskrebalin, Gololobov, and Grass, are one of the most intriguing teams in these playoffs. Magnitogorsk have already beaten their opponents twice on their ice during the series and will not be an easy target for the seasoned Novokuznetsk side this time either. Backing Magnitka with a +1.5 handicap seems optimal, as they have maintained this margin in 17 of their last 18 VHL matches.No comments
Betting Tips: Metallurg - HC Magnitka Magnitogorsk
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