Traktor Chelyabinsk vs Sibir Novosibirsk Prediction
🔊 Can the "Snowmen" settle the score with the "Polar Bears" after suffering two defeats in this season's regular matchups? One of the highlights of Sunday's KHL schedule is the clash between Traktor and Sibir. The ice in Chelyabinsk will host this encounter. While the home team sits comfortably within the playoff zone, the Novosibirsk club is just shy of breaking into the top 8 of the Eastern Conference. Bookmakers heavily favor the home side, giving them a fourfold advantage and leaving Sibir with slim chances.
Head-to-Head
📊 In the current regular season, the teams have faced off twice, with Traktor Chelyabinsk emerging victorious on both occasions (4-3 in a shootout at "Sibir Arena" and 4-3 at "Traktor Arena"). Interestingly, the Snowmen have only managed one regulation-time victory in their last 12 away games against the White Bears, which came last season (4-3).
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Traktor Chelyabinsk Team Overview
⚪ Fans of the Chelyabinsk team are witnessing a stark contrast in their team's performance. Last season, the "Polar Bears" topped the Eastern Conference standings and reached the Gagarin Cup final. However, this season, the club is merely fighting for a playoff spot. Currently, Traktor sit in 5th place in the standings, trailing the leaders by a staggering 22 points. Nevertheless, it's crucial to note that the "Tractors" are in good form-only once in their last six games have they failed to secure points. This past Friday, Evgeny Koreshkov's squad managed to overcome Amur with a hard-fought 4-2 victory.
Match Results: Traktor Chelyabinsk
Sibir Novosibirsk Team Overview
🔵 The Novosibirsk club are vigorously fighting for a playoff spot. Currently, the "Snowmen" sit in 9th place in the Eastern Conference standings but have the same number of points as Amur, who are in 8th place. Notably, Yaroslav Lyuzhenkov's squad are in good form, suffering only one regulation-time defeat in their last six games. According to a reputable insider, acting head coach Yaroslav Lyuzhenkov will retain his position at least until the end of the season. Furthermore, after lifting the club from the bottom of the Eastern Conference, he has a strong chance of securing a permanent contract.
Match Results: Sibir Novosibirsk
🏒 Projected Lineups
Traktor: Shcherstnev - Day, Dronov - Kravtsov, Grigorenko, Leivo
Sibir: Berdin - Priskie, Zaitsev - Beck, Nekolenko, Wilson
🥅 Goalies
Saveliy Shcherstnev joined Traktor last summer from Vityaz Podolsk. The 23-year-old goaltender made his KHL debut in the "Polar Bears" jersey. Over 9 games this regular season, he's managed a save percentage of 90.66% with a goals-against average of 2.46. He also has one shutout to his name.
Mikhail Berdin moved to the Novosibirsk club from Ak Bars during the current campaign. The 27-year-old goaltender has played 2 matches in the "Polar Bears" jersey so far. His stats are less than stellar, with a save percentage of 85.19% and a goals-against average of 3.98.
Editor's Prediction
Both clubs have experienced coaching changes during the current regular season. A playing slump and defensive issues mean that matchups involving Traktor and Sibir often feature dynamic and sometimes reckless hockey. In five of their last six head-to-head encounters, the "Polar Bears" and the "Snowmen" have seen at least six goals scored. The key bet here is on over 4.5 total goals.
Betting Tips: Traktor Chelyabinsk - Sibir Novosibirsk
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