Traktor Chelyabinsk vs SKA St. Petersburg Prediction 16 March 2026
🔊 SKA, riding a winning streak, are on the brink of pulling off one of the most remarkable comebacks in this regular season. Igor Larionov's squad theoretically still have a shot at securing second place in the West. To achieve this, they need to win their remaining three games, including the matchup in Chelyabinsk. Can SKA set a record-winning streak since fall 2024? Let's dive into the statistics and scenarios ahead of the KHL regular season game on March 16. KHL
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past three seasons, Traktor and SKA have faced off five times: the Chelyabinsk team won two games, while the St. Petersburg side claimed three victories. Notably, the "Army Men from the Neva" have won 7 of their last 8 games against the Ural club on their ice, earning points in 12 out of 13 matches.
Head-to-head statistics Traktor Chelyabinsk - SKA St. Petersburg
Traktor Chelyabinsk Team Overview
By defeating Torpedo 3-2 in overtime, the Chelyabinsk team snapped their longest losing streak of 2026. Before their home victory, Traktor fell to CSKA (0-1), Metallurg (2-3 SO), and Neftekhimik (1-2 OT). Traktor are guaranteed a finish between fifth and seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
At home, Igor Grishin's squad have not lost more than one consecutive game since the New Year. On their own ice, the "Polar Bears" boast one of the league's most potent offenses, averaging 3.48 goals per game-only two KHL teams have a higher average.
Traktor's injury list still includes Sergei Mylnikov, the team's primary goaltender, who will miss the rest of the season. A three-game losing streak prompted the coaching staff to make changes to the lineup-Savely Shestnev started in goal against Torpedo, marking his 12th league appearance, while Grigory Dronov joined the skaters on the ice.
Match Results: Traktor Chelyabinsk
SKA St. Petersburg Team Overview
As the regular season draws to a close, SKA embark on their final road series riding a season-high five-game winning streak. Under Igor Larionov, the team has notched two emphatic shutout victories, thrashing Barys 7-0 and Severstal 5-0. SKA still have a shot at clinching the second spot in the conference, though a finish between fourth and seventh appears more feasible.
On the road, SKA have extended their winning streak to six games, with their last away defeat coming on February 1. Currently, the St. Petersburg club ranks among the league's most prolific offenses in away games, averaging 2.78 goals per match. Their defense is equally impressive, conceding no more than one goal in each of their last five away fixtures.
Defensemen Nikita Zaitsev and Trevor Murphy remain on SKA's injury list. The only lineup change for the match against Severstal is the return of Artemy Pleshkov in goal, who has matched Sergei Ivanov with three shutouts this season.
Match Results: SKA St. Petersburg
⚡️ Key Players
Traktor's top scorers this season are Joshua Leivo with 60 points (25 goals, 35 assists) and Mikhail Grigorenko with 53 (21+32). The Canadian has been on the scoresheet in four of the last six games, and in the match against Torpedo, he finished with a plus-minus rating of +3 for the first time in over three months.
For SKA, no player has yet surpassed the 50-point mark this season. Sergei Plotnikov (18+28) and Nikolai Goldobin (15+31) share the lead in their scoring race. Once the main sniper for the "Army Men from Neva," Goldobin has increasingly become a playmaker, contributing assists in five of the last six games.
🥅 Goaltenders
Before the game against Torpedo, Dmitry Nikolaev had stepped in for the injured Sergei Mylnikov for three consecutive matches, boasting impressive stats with a 96.4% save percentage and a goals-against average of 1.20. The 23-year-old Saveliy Shcherstnev played against the Volzhans, making 26 saves with a 92.9% save percentage.
SKA features two equally reliable and consistent goaltenders. Artemiy Pleshkov has maintained a save percentage above 90% in nine of his last ten games. In three March matches, he allowed just one goal, recording two shutouts. Sergei Ivanov has finished 10 out of 11 games with a save percentage over 90%. In two March games, he conceded four goals.
Editorial Prediction
SKA are clearly gaining momentum as they head into the playoffs. The team have not lost in regulation time in seven consecutive away games, winning six of those under Igor Larionov's guidance. Meanwhile, Traktor have failed to defeat the St. Petersburg club in regulation time on home ice in 12 of their last 13 KHL encounters. A victory in the Southern Urals would keep SKA's hopes alive for securing a high seed in the first round. Our pick - SKA to avoid defeat in regulation time (double chance X2).
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Betting Tips: Traktor Chelyabinsk - SKA St. Petersburg
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