Lokomotiv Yaroslavl vs CSKA Prediction 15 October 2025
🔊 Yaroslavl Lokomotiv will host CSKA Moscow on their home ice as part of the KHL regular season. The hosts have recently lost their momentum, with their previous winning streak now a distant memory. The visitors, on the other hand, don't have much to boast about either, as they are enduring too many setbacks. This marks Igor Nikitin's first return to Yaroslavl as the coach of another club, having previously led them to championship glory.
Head-to-Head
The rivals have already faced off in the current regular season. In mid-September, Lokomotiv dominated their opponent on their home ice in Moscow, winning 5-1. The game was relatively even only in the first period, with both teams finding the net. However, Yaroslavl's advantage snowballed as the match progressed, and statistically, it nearly doubled-ending with a 31-18 shot count.
Head-to-head statistics Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - CSKA
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Team Overview
Bob Hartley's squad have lost their edge. In their last four games, the hosts have suffered three defeats, conceding a total of 13 goals. Yes, they managed a convincing win over SKA (4-2), but that doesn't change the overall rather negative picture. The coaching staff made some adjustments to the line combinations, moving Alexander Radulov to the second line, but it hasn't impacted the situation. It's worth noting, however, that all setbacks occurred on the road-at home, Lokomotiv haven't dropped a single two-point opportunity. On this ice, the team simply doesn't slip up.
Match Results: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
CSKA Moscow Team Overview
Igor Nikitin's return to Yaroslavl is bound to be highly emotional, but that's not the main focus here. CSKA are facing clear systemic issues that have been evident since the start of the regular season. The team are struggling to adapt to the demands of the new coaching staff. Currently, they have suffered three defeats in four games, with their only victory being a narrow 3-2 win over Severstal. The visitors are still outside the playoff spots in the Western Conference, which is likely unsatisfactory for the management. However, these challenges were anticipated-Nikitin typically takes three years to build a competitive team.
Match Results: CSKA Moscow
🏒 Projected Lineups
Lokomotiv: Isaev - Cherepanov, Gernat - Berezkin, Shalunov, Nikulin
CSKA: Martin - Yeremenko, Nesterov - Buchelnikov, Karnaukhov, Drozdov
🥅 Goalkeepers
Lokomotiv's goalie Daniil Isaev has seen a dip in form along with his teammates, failing to maintain a save percentage above 90% in three of his last four games. This individual decline has mirrored the team's overall struggles.
CSKA's netminder Spencer Martin has recently improved his stats, achieving a save percentage of at least 91.3% in two consecutive games. However, the coaching staff still benched him for the match against Ak Bars, which didn't pay off as the team lost anyway.
⭐ Editor's Prediction
It's hard to doubt the ultimate success of the hosts. Yes, Yaroslavl have faced some obvious challenges recently, but they pale in comparison to the issues plaguing CSKA. The visitors are still adapting to a new tactical approach, and this learning curve is proving lengthy. Igor Nikitin might have special motivation for the upcoming match, but it's unlikely to serve as an inspiring factor for his team. In their current state, the "Army Men" struggle to compete on equal terms with the reigning champions. Our pick - Lokomotiv to win in regulation time.
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Betting Tips: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - CSKA Moscow
in 7 of last 8 home games (KHL).in last 21 home games (KHL).in 10 of last 11 away games (KHL).in last 8 home games (KHL).in last 7 home games (KHL).
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