AK Bars Kazan vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Prediction 13 January 2026
🔊 Will the hosts live up to their status as the undisputed favorites? One of the intriguing matchups in Tuesday's KHL schedule is the clash between Ak Bars and Neftekhimik Kazan. Both clubs have decent chances of making it to the playoffs by the end of the regular season. However, the gap in class is significant-Ak Bars are seasoned contenders with ambitious goals. Meanwhile, Neftekhimik often loses focus and can drop points in unexpected places. Bookmakers give Anvar Gatiyatulin's squad a threefold advantage.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over their last seven head-to-head encounters, Ak Bars have suffered just one defeat. This further highlights that the "Wolf Pack" are a favorable opponent for the "Bars." During the current regular season, the teams have clashed four times. Notably, the only game played in Kazan ended in favor of the "Wolf Pack" with a score of 2-1. We'll soon find out if Nizhnekamsk can replicate that success.
Head-to-head statistics AK Bars Kazan - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
AK Bars Kazan Team Overview
🟢 The Kazan team ranks among the leaders of the Eastern Conference. Currently, the "bars" hold the 3rd position in terms of points lost. Anvar Gatiyatulin's squad is known for their systematic hockey, with a strong emphasis on tight defense. It's important to note Ak Bars' average performance in the current stretch of the regular season-scoring 3 goals per game while conceding 2.45. In their most recent outing, the "bars" secured a home victory against Barys (3:1). After the match, Anvar Gatiyatulin stated: “We controlled the puck a lot from the start and played in the offensive zone. We were missing explosive segments, which we adjusted during the break. We managed to create chances and scored 2 goals.”
Match Results: AK Bars Kazan
Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Team Overview
⚪ The Nizhnekamsk side appears more settled this season, boasting high ambitions. Currently, the "wolf pack" holds the 6th spot in the standings, having accumulated 47 points from 45 games. Igor Grishin's squad showcases a patient style of hockey, built on solid positional play. Their average performance metrics show 2.73 goals scored per game against 2.96 conceded. Last Saturday, Neftekhimik triumphed over Admiral (4-2) on home ice. The standout performer was Damir Zhafyarov, who netted a brace. The team's top scorer so far this season is Andrey Belozerov, with 21 goals and 17 assists in 44 regular-season games.
Match Results: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
🏒 Projected Lineups
Ak Bars: Arefyev - Miller, Falkovsky - Yashkin, Semyonov, Khmelevsky
Neftekhimik: Ozolin - Pastukhov, Serikov - Zhafyarov, Mityakin, Belozerov
🥅 Goalies
Maksim Arefyev is a young talent for the Kazan club, with high expectations for his future. His current season stats include a save percentage of 92.77% and a goals-against average of 2.44.
Yaroslav Ozolin has featured in 12 games this Kontinental Hockey League season. His average performance metrics show a save percentage of 89.75% and a goals-against average of 3.27. The 25-year-old goalie has the potential for growth and further improvement in his play.
Editorial Prediction
First and foremost, the home advantage strongly favors the Kazan club. Anvar Gatiyatulin's squad consistently delivers solid performances at the Tatneft Arena. Additionally, it's important to note that the "Bars" have been dominant in recent head-to-head clashes with the "Wolf Pack," suffering only one defeat in their last seven encounters. The key bet here is on Ak Bars securing a victory in regulation time.
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Betting Tips: AK Bars Kazan - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
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