Barys Astana vs Salavat Yulaev Ufa Prediction 9 September 2026
🔊 Both teams kicked off the season in a way that has only fueled more questions ahead of their rematch. Barys delivered a resounding home victory over Sibir, netting seven goals, while Salavat Yulaev have already racked up two wins, conceding just twice. Just a few weeks ago, these sides faced off in Ufa, where Viktor Kozlov’s men once again came out on top. Now, Barys return to home ice aiming for revenge-and hoping to halt Salavat Yulaev’s impressive momentum.
Head-to-Head
📊 Last season, Barys and Salavat Yulaev faced off five times, including a pre-season friendly. Salavat Yulaev came out on top in three of those encounters, while the Kazakh side claimed victory twice. The average goals total across this stretch was 5.4 per game, though that figure is somewhat misleading-only two of the five meetings actually saw more than five goals scored. The rivals have already crossed paths this summer as well: at the Bashkortostan Republic Cup, Salavat Yulaev secured a 4-1 win.
Head-to-head statistics Barys Astana - Salavat Yulaev Ufa

Barys Astana Team Overview
Barys wrapped up their preseason with two completely different games. First, they fell to SKA-VMF in a shootout (1-2), scoring their only goal on the power play. Then, they delivered an offensive showcase against Admiral, edging them 6-5 in overtime. The new season kicked off even more brightly, as Barys immediately demonstrated that their summer changes could significantly boost their attack.
Sibir were routed 7-1, with the hosts needing just 27 shots on target to achieve such a commanding result. Justin Bailey bagged a brace, Semyon Simonov converted the team’s lone power play, while Chase Priskie and Garrett Pilon both netted their first goals for the club. Hunter Shepard stood out-not only did the goaltender make 28 saves, but he also registered an assist. Barys will go into their next game without the injured Sarkenov and Shestakov.
Match Results: Barys Astana

Salavat Yulaev Ufa Team Overview
Ufa have opened the season with back-to-back wins, each achieved in contrasting fashion. Salavat Yulaev first edged past Severstal 3-2, outplaying their opponents in expected goals-4.0 to 2.8. Jack Rodewald netted the game-winner on the power play. The next outing demanded a different approach from Viktor Kozlov’s side, as they were forced to dig deep defensively.
Avangard fired 41 shots on target compared to Salavat’s 22, but the visitors left Omsk with a 4-0 victory. Semyon Vyazovoy turned aside every shot he faced, while Rodewald struck again on the man advantage. Vadim Shipachyov scored his first goal for the club, and Nikita Shcherbakov registered his maiden KHL tally. After two games, Salavat boast seven goals scored, though Gorshkov, Kuzmin, Kulik, and Khvorov remain sidelined ahead of the trip to Astana.
Match Results: Salavat Yulaev Ufa
⚡️ Key Players
Barys have three forwards who each tallied three points. Justin Bailey led the way with a brace and an assist, while Vsevolod Logvin posted a 1+2 line. Semyon Simonov also recorded three points. Bailey finished the opening game with a +3 plus-minus rating.
For Salavat Yulaev, Alexander Alexeyev stands out with four assists in two games. Jack Rodewald has three points, all coming from goals, while Sheldon Rempal has chipped in with two assists.
🥅 Goaltenders
Hunter Shepard played the full opener for Barys, stopping 28 of 29 shots against Sibir for a save percentage of 96.6%. His goals-against average sits at 1.00.
Semyon Vyazovoy backstopped Salavat Yulaev to wins in both of their opening fixtures. Over 119 minutes and 25 seconds of action, he has turned aside 97% of shots faced, posting a goals-against average of 1.01. In Omsk, Vyazovoy earned his first shutout of the season, denying all 41 shots from Avangard.
⭐️ Editor’s Prediction
Salavat Yulaev have quickly settled into their rhythm this season. The Ufa side claimed victory in both of their opening games, netting seven goals-an average of 3.5 per match. Notably, they put four past Avangard despite registering only 22 shots on target.
There’s another compelling argument when it comes to this particular matchup. In their last three head-to-head meetings with Barys, Salavat Yulaev have scored at least three goals each time. Given their current form, there’s little reason to expect that trend to change. My pick: Salavat Yulaev over 2.5 team goals.