Lokomotiv Yaroslavl vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Prediction 14 March 2025
📢 Will the "oilmen" manage to get closer to the TOP-8 of the "East"? The leader of the Western Conference will face off against the team from Nizhnekamsk on the ice of "Arena-2000." The home status of the match and the obvious class advantage of Lokomotiv have determined the odds for the upcoming encounter: victory for the "railwaymen" - 1.5, victory for the "wolf pack" - 6.2. Our editorial team has prepared an informative prediction, taking into account a number of statistical trends.
Head-to-Head
In the last 4 head-to-head matches at "Arena-2000," the home side managed to outplay their opponent within regulation time. Interestingly, in the current season, Neftekhimik was stronger than Lokomotiv (1:0) on the Nizhnekamsk ice.
Head-to-head statistics Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Team Overview
Lokomotiv is perhaps the most stable club in the KHL. Now, the "railroaders" rightfully rank among the main favorites to win the Gagarin Cup. It is noteworthy that the team from Yaroslavl managed to win the Western Conference for the first time since the 2010/11 season. This only testifies to the phenomenal work done by Igor Nikitin. It is worth mentioning that Lokomotiv is excellent on their home ice - 50 points earned after 32 games (the best result in the "West"). Among Lokomotiv's personnel issues, only Maxim Shalunov's injury stands out.
Match Results: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Team Overview
The work ethic and dedication of Neftekhimik's hockey players are fundamental reasons why the "oilmen" still have a chance to make it to the playoffs. With 5 games remaining before the end of the regular season, the "wolf pack" is only 3 points behind the TOP-8 in the East. Poor execution is a fundamental problem for the Nizhnekamsk club, with a conversion rate of 7.42% (3rd worst in the KHL). Roman Abrosimov, Alexander Dergachyov, and Mikhail Pashnin remain in the infirmary. Whether Neftekhimik can demonstrate a "Spartan" character and reach the playoffs will be revealed soon.
Match Results: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
🏒 Probable Lineups
Lokomotiv: Melnychuk - Sergeyev, Bereglazov - Berezkin, Kiryanov, Kayumov
Neftekhimik: Dolganov - Pastukhov, Serikov - Belozerov, Mityakin, Kapustin
🥅 Goalkeepers
In a recent match against Severstal (3:0), Alexei Melnychuk recorded his 4th shutout of the current season. Let's pay attention to other statistical indicators of the goalkeeper: 91.73% save percentage, GAA - 1.92. It seems that the Yaroslavl team did not make a mistake when they signed the contract with the Russian. We expect Melnychuk to appear in all remaining regular-season matches to give Daniil Isaev time to prepare for the playoffs.
Filipp Dolganov has participated in 44 of his team's matches in the current regular season. During this period, he managed to save 91.79% of shots with a goals-against average of 2.63. Moreover, on two occasions, the Russian managed to keep his own net untouched.
Editorial Prediction
In each of Lokomotiv's last 5 home matches, there were no more than 5 pucks scored. Igor Nikitin's pragmatic style has long proven to be an effective way to achieve the necessary result. The not-so-great execution from Neftekhimik will also impact the overall scoring outcome. Our editorial predicts a scrappy hockey game with a focus on goal defense. The key choice is total under 5 goals.No comments
Betting Tips: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
in 9 of last 10 games (KHL).in 6 of last 7 away games (KHL).in 6 of last 7 home games (KHL).in 7 of last 8 away games (KHL).in 10 of last 11 games (KHL).
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