Lokomotiv Yaroslavl vs Red Star Kunlun Prediction 20 February 2025
📢 Can the "Dragons" take the much-needed points from the leader of the Western Conference? Mikhail Kravets' team still has a theoretical chance to make it to the playoffs and will try to spring a surprise in Yaroslavl.
Head-to-Head
In the current season, the teams have faced each other three times. In all encounters, the "railwaymen" emerged victorious (2 away wins and 1 home win in overtime). Despite the fact that the Yaroslavl team is known for their defensive style of play, the total over 5.5 was successful in three of the last five official KHL matches between them and the "dragons." Statistically, the Yaroslavl team is a challenging opponent for the Chinese team, as the "dragons" have only managed to secure three victories since 2016.
Head-to-head statistics Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - Red Star Kunlun
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Team Overview
In recent matches, the "railroaders" have been performing inconsistently, mainly due to the pressure associated with their early qualification for the playoffs, as acknowledged by the team's head coach Igor Nikitin. During the away series, only the match against Severstal was successful, while games against Dinamo Minsk and Salavat Yulaev resulted in the loss of 3 points. The lead over second place is still a substantial 12 points; however, their closest pursuers, Dinamo Moscow, have 2 fewer games played, so Yaroslavl needs to remain vigilant, as any mistake could drop the club down a position. It's possible that in upcoming games, team leaders will be given rest alternately, so it's essential to always check the lineup published shortly before the match starts.
Match Results: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Red Star Kunlun Team Overview
Mikhail Kravets' team has finished a long home series and is heading out on an even longer road trip, which will only conclude on March 15. The "Dragons" will face a tough challenge as they compete against the leading teams of the Western Conference, and towards the end, they will have to put up a fight against the former champion, Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Currently, they are 9 points behind the coveted eighth spot, which grants the right to participate in the playoffs. A telling match last week saw direct competitors, Nizhny Novgorod's Torpedo, defeat the "Dragons" in Mytishchi. Too many points were lost during the home series, so they will have to make a significant effort on the road to overtake Torpedo.
Match Results: Red Star Kunlun
🏒 PROBABLE LINEUPS
Lokomotiv: Melnychuk - Sergeyev, Bereglazov - Berezkin, Shalunov, Kayumov
Kunlun: Smith - Lefebvre, Clendening - Halbgewachs, Graovac, Drozg
🥅 GOALIES
Towards the end of the season, Lokomotiv's coaching staff is unlikely to take risks by putting Daniil Isaev on the ice if he successfully recovers from injury. The main guardian of the net during Isaev's absence remains 26-year-old Alexey Melnychuk. The goalkeeper has decent statistics, having played 23 games with a goals-against average of 2.00, although he has often conceded 3 or more pucks in recent matches.
35-year-old Jeremy Smith performed excellently for Kunlun in Saturday's match against Vityaz, saving 32 shots. Besides Smith, the "Dragons" can also rely on Patrik Rybar, who has also proven himself positively, often allowing 2 or fewer goals per game.
Editorial Prediction
The long home series of the "dragons" has come to an end, the Chinese team failed to show stability and lost more than they won. Mikhail Kravets will try to lead his team to the playoffs, as there is still a small chance for this to happen. The "railroaders" are already one step into the playoffs and in recent matches have not always outplayed their opponents, slightly slowing down their pace. The fact that the "dragons" still have a chance to get into the top eight combined with the possible rest of the leaders of Yaroslavl in the upcoming game gives reason to suggest that the visitors can maintain a handicap (2) in Thursday's match.No comments
Betting Tips: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl - Red Star Kunlun
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