Traktor Chelyabinsk vs Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Prediction 15 September 2026
🔊 Just two weeks after their previous encounter, the reigning champions are heading to Chelyabinsk. Traktor have plenty of motivation for payback: their trip to Yaroslavl ended in a heavy 1-5 defeat, and subsequent games have done little to steady the ship. Lokomotiv, on the other hand, have made a flawless start to the season, racking up four straight wins without dropping a single point. Chelyabinsk’s first home stand kicks off with a real test against a side that recently exposed the cost of their mistakes.
Head-to-Head
📊 Earlier this season, these teams have already faced each other, with Lokomotiv cruising to a commanding 5-1 home victory. Notably, both of Yaroslavl’s goals came on the power play, while Traktor racked up 12 penalty minutes compared to just four for their opponents.
Last season, the sides split their meetings. Lokomotiv edged out Traktor in a shootout (2-1), before Traktor responded with a 3-1 win in Chelyabinsk. Seven of the last ten head-to-head clashes have featured no more than five goals, and in four of the previous five encounters, the total did not exceed four goals.
Head-to-head statistics Traktor Chelyabinsk - Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Traktor Chelyabinsk Team Overview
The first three games have highlighted just how tough it’s been for Chelyabinsk to generate offense so far. Traktor managed to score more than one goal only once, in their clash with Avtomobilist-a game ultimately decided by Nathan Légaré’s overtime winner. Their average expected goals (xG) currently stands at 2.39. Even a clear advantage in shots on target didn’t help them in Kazan: despite outshooting their hosts 31-19, Traktor found the net just once.
Ak Bars struck early in both the first and second periods, forcing Traktor to chase the game. Légaré capitalized on a five-on-three power play, and later Mikhail Grigorenko also beat the goalie-only for his effort to be ruled out for goaltender interference. Traktor had chances to equalize in the third, including nearly ninety seconds of six-on-four play, but Kazan held firm to secure a 2-1 victory. Acting head coach Dmitry Chernykh, standing in for Scott Gordon, admitted his side couldn’t fully execute their game plan but stressed the importance of moving forward without setting specific timelines for rebuilding. Vitaly Kravtsov remains sidelined through injury.
Match Results: Traktor Chelyabinsk
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Team Overview
Yaroslavl have kicked off their title defense with four straight wins. Once again, their defensive solidity has been the cornerstone: in the first three games, Lokomotiv’s opponents never managed to score more than one goal. Daniil Isaev has been especially impressive between the pipes-after four outings, he boasts a 95.5% save percentage and a goals-against average of just 1.24. Up front, Egor Surin is making headlines with four goals already to his name.
Their first road trip of the campaign also ended in victory. In Moscow, Lokomotiv capitalized twice on the power play, and Surin’s early third-period goal gave them a two-goal cushion against CSKA. The closing moments tested Yaroslavl’s resolve: the hosts pulled one back with just 72 seconds left on the clock, but couldn’t find an equalizer as Lokomotiv held on for a 3-2 win. Maksim Berezkin and Artur Kayumov remain sidelined due to injury.
Match Results: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
⚡️ Key Players
Grigory Dronov has tallied three points in three games for Traktor, scoring once and adding two assists. Both Mikhail Rolgizer and Andrei Svetlakov have registered two points each, with identical 1+1 stat lines.
Yegor Surin and Alexander Radulov have each posted six points across four appearances for Lokomotiv. Surin leads with four goals and two assists, while Radulov has contributed two goals and four assists. Georgy Ivanov follows closely behind with four points (1+3).
🥅 Goaltenders
Dmitry Nikolaev has featured in one game for Traktor, earning the win. He stopped 34 of 37 shots for a .919 save percentage and holds a goals-against average of 2.92. Henrik Haukeland started twice and suffered two defeats, saving 45 of 52 shots for an .865 save percentage and a 3.56 GAA.
Daniil Isaev has started all four games for Lokomotiv, winning each one. He turned aside 105 of 110 shots for a stellar .955 save percentage and boasts a 1.24 goals-against average.
⭐️ Editor’s Prediction
While Traktor are still adjusting to recent changes, Lokomotiv have already found their rhythm and are playing in a familiar style. The Yaroslavl side have won all four of their opening league fixtures, with their current winning streak now at five games. Including preseason action, their record remains impressive-nine wins and just one defeat. For Chelyabinsk, it’s a different story: two losses in three matches, with their only victory coming in overtime.
The recent head-to-head between these teams also highlighted the gap-Lokomotiv came out on top. This time the game moves to Chelyabinsk, but even here, history offers little comfort for the hosts: Traktor have lost in regulation time in seven of their last eight home meetings with the Yaroslavl club. Given Lokomotiv’s current reliability and Traktor’s shaky start, there’s every reason to back the reigning champions. My pick-Lokomotiv to win, including overtime and shootout.
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Betting Tips: Traktor Chelyabinsk - Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
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