Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk vs AK Bars Kazan Prediction 7 December 2025
🔊 Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik will host Kazan Ak Bars on their ice in a KHL regular season clash. The hosts have managed to halt a long streak of failures and have stopped their slide down the standings. The visitors, on the other hand, picked up solid momentum in the second half of November, securing second place in the conference. We are set for a showdown between two clubs in commendable form.
Head-to-Head
The rivals have faced each other three times this season, with the current visitors holding the overall advantage. Ak Bars have secured two victories with just one loss. It's worth noting that none of the games extended beyond regulation time, and both teams have been quite low-scoring. In none of the matches were more than five goals scored.
Head-to-head statistics Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk - AK Bars Kazan

Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Team Overview
Igor Grishin's squad faced a challenging period in the latter half of November, enduring four consecutive defeats that complicated their standings. However, they managed to bounce back in Nizhnekamsk and emerged even stronger. The team has now secured three consecutive victories with an aggregate score of 15:11. They've clearly prioritized offensive play, which has yielded positive results. Nevertheless, defensive issues remain unresolved, as they've conceded 103 goals, one of the poorest records in the conference.
Match Results: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk

AK Bars Kazan Team Overview
The club from the capital of Tatarstan has regained its stride since the third decade of November. They have secured five victories in seven matches, earning a well-deserved second place in the East. The team continues to prioritize defensive play, having conceded just 92 goals. Anvar Gatiyatulin's squad strives to operate systematically, aiming to dismantle any offensive strategies from their opponents. Nonetheless, they haven't neglected their attack, scoring 103 goals. This is a respectable tally that allows them to look to the future with optimism.
Match Results: AK Bars Kazan
🏒 Projected Lineups
Neftekhimik: Dolganov - Pastukhov, Serikov - Seleznev, Khoruzhev, Tochilkin
Ak Bars: Arefyev - Lyamkin, Miller - Barabanov, Semyonov, Yashkin
🥅 Goaltenders
Neftekhimik's goalie, Philipp Dolganov, remains one of the top performers in his position within the league. The former Izhstal player boasts an impressive 93.1% save percentage and has recorded one shutout. His efforts have been pivotal in ending the club's losing streak.
Ak Bars' goaltender Maxim Arefyev has only played a handful of full games this season but has made a solid impression. The young homegrown talent maintains a 91.8% save percentage and is poised to join the main team soon.