Dynamo vs Ak Bars Kazan Prediction 20 March 2026
π£ The final day of the KHL regular season promises an ice-cold clash between Dynamo Moscow and Ak Bars Kazan. Both teams have already secured their playoff spots, but Dynamo still have a chance to improve their standing in the Western Conference, while Ak Bars eagerly await their first-round matchup with Chelyabinsk's Traktor. Can the more motivated Moscow side clinch a home victory? Letβs dive into it.
Head-to-Head
This season, the teams have already faced off. On Kazan ice, Anvar Gatiyatulin's squad secured a thrilling 5-4 victory. Ak Bars' defenseman Mitch Miller notched a hat-trick, while his linemate Dmitry Yashkin added two goals. For Dynamo, it was also the top line, led by Nikita Gusev, that shone brightly. The visitors faltered in the third period, allowing Kazan to capitalize on a single power play, which ultimately led to their defeat. Reflecting on the rivalry between Ak Bars and Dynamo, last year's playoff series comes to mind, where the "Blue and Whites" emerged stronger with a 4-2 win. Looking at the overall results, it's challenging to pinpoint a clear favorite: the Moscow side boasts 19 victories, while Kazan has 22.
Head-to-head statistics Dynamo - Ak Bars Kazan
Dynamo Moscow Team Overview
Dynamo, aiming to solidify their position in the West, secured four consecutive victories but suffered an unexpected defeat on Wednesday against Admiral (1-2). The Moscow side outshot the team from Vladivostok but failed to beat goaltender Ivan Kulbakov during even-strength play. In their last 10 games, Vyacheslav Kozlov's squad has averaged 2.8 goals per game while conceding 2.4 goals. To maintain their fifth spot in the West, Dynamo needs to avoid a regulation-time loss to Kazan. Their likely opponent in the first round is their city rivals, CSKA. Dynamo's injury list remains unchanged, with Klasson, Gotovets, and Paquette still sidelined.
Match Results: Dynamo Moscow
Ak Bars Kazan Team Overview
Ak Bars are in fine form, boasting four wins in their last five outings. Their sole defeat came against Severstal Cherepovets (2-4), where they faltered in the first period and couldn't breach the opposition's defense in the final stretch. On average, Galimov and his squad score three goals per game, while their defense, anchored by the experienced Alexei Marchenko, concedes 2.6 goals per match. Holding third place in the East with an eight-point cushion over their nearest rivals is a commendable achievement. Last season, they entered the playoffs from fifth place. It's possible that some of the team's key players might be rested in the final game of the season.
Match Results: Ak Bars Kazan
π Projected Lineups
Dynamo Moscow: Motorygin - Pylenkov, Ozhiganov - Galimov, Ilyenko, Mamin
Ak Bars: Arefyev - Miller, Falkovsky - Galimov, Safonov, Terekhov
π₯ Goalkeepers
Dynamo's starting goaltender Vladislav Podjapolsky has featured in 40 games this season, posting a goals-against average of 2.31. For the final home game of the regular season, it's expected that his colleague Motorygin will start between the pipes. He boasts a solid GAA of 2.28.
Timur Bilyalov has recently recovered from an injury, and the coaching staff is unlikely to take risks in the final regular-season game. Instead, 22-year-old Maxim Arefyev is likely to get the nod. Arefyev has already played 16 games for Ak Bars this season, recording an impressive GAA of 2.06.
β Editorial Prediction
Considering that the Moscow side still have tournament motivation, with a chance to surpass their closest rivals and secure the fifth spot in the West, let's look at betting on Dynamo to win with a handicap of 0. Statistically, the "white-blues" perform admirably in home matches against Kazan, either defeating them or losing by a narrow margin. We also don't rule out the possibility that Ak Bars' key players might be rested on Friday, which makes this bet an insightful choice.No comments
Betting Tips: Dynamo Moscow - Ak Bars Kazan
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