HC Traktor Chelyabinsk vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Prediction 23 February 2025
📢 Will the "wolves" be able to take such important points from the leader of the Eastern Conference? On a festive Sunday, the team from Nizhnekamsk will try to surprise Chelyabinsk and get closer to the coveted eighth spot in the standings.
Head-to-Head
This season, the teams have faced each other three times. All matches ended with victories for the "Bears" in regulation time and were high-scoring. Notably, Chelyabinsk's forward, Maxim Shabanov, scored points in all three encounters with Nizhnekamsk. In recent years, the "Bears" have not had any issues with the "Wolves"; since 2022, Nizhnekamsk has only managed three victories in head-to-head matchups. Both teams are part of the Kharlamov Division, where Chelyabinsk confidently leads, while Nizhnekamsk plays the role of the underdog.
Head-to-head statistics HC Traktor Chelyabinsk - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
HC Traktor Chelyabinsk Team Overview
Benoit Groulx's team had a brilliant season and are already one step into the playoffs. The team is set for a five-game home series, where they will have the chance to both rest some of their key players and secure the top spot in the East. Recently, the “bears” visited Khabarovsk and Vladivostok, where they easily dealt with the local teams. Their responsibility and drive to achieve maximum results in every match make the “bears” the deserved favorites to win the upcoming games against teams positioned at the lower end of the table.
Match Results: HC Traktor Chelyabinsk
Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Team Overview
Oleg Leontiev's team played well in their home matches against SKA and Ak Bars, defeating these clubs in regulation time. Currently, the "wolves" are chasing Admiral and Sibir, who are 8 points ahead of Nizhnekamsk. It is crucial for the team to perform at a high level in the upcoming matches to secure the coveted eighth place. Interestingly, if they make it to the playoffs, there is a high likelihood that their opponents will be the "bears" from Chelyabinsk. The "wolves" need to maintain their strong performance and replicate their excellent home results during the long and challenging away series, which consists of 6 matches.
Match Results: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
🏒 PROBABLE LINEUPS
Traktor: Mylnikov - Day, Koromyslov - Kravtsov, Svetlakov, Rolgizer
Neftekhimik: Dolganov - Khlystov, Pastukhov - Barber, Di, Kapustin
🥅 GOALIES
As the end of the regular season approaches, it is likely that 25-year-old Sergey Mylnikov will receive more opportunities to start matches for Traktor. The goaltender has played in 18 games this season, with an average goals against of 2.66. His counterpart, Zach Fucale, performed well in the Far East, conceding only three goals in total against the “Tigers” and the “Sailors”.
Neftekhimik will continue to rely on 26-year-old Philipp Dolganov during this crucial phase of the championship. The goaltender recently had outstanding matches against Ak Bars and SKA Saint Petersburg. In February, Philipp was reliable, allowing fewer than three goals per game.
Editorial Prediction
In the upcoming match, the "wolves" need only a victory, as the gap from the eighth spot, allowing them to make the playoffs, is 8 points. The Nizhnekamsk team has already managed to surprise the hockey community by consecutively defeating the "army men" from St. Petersburg and the "leopards" from Kazan. These victories led to the conclusion that the "wolves" will fight until the end. Considering the comfortable position of the Chelyabinsk team, it is possible that they will gradually rest some of their leaders and field their second goalkeeper, Sergey Mylnikov. In the last five head-to-heads, the Nizhnekamsk team managed to score at least 2 pucks against Chelyabinsk's goal. This time, we will once again believe in the motivated "wolves" and suggest considering individual total for guests over (1.5).No comments
Betting Tips: HC Traktor Chelyabinsk - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
in 11 of last 12 games (KHL).in 8 of last 9 home games (KHL).in 7 of last 8 games (KHL).in 8 of last 9 games (KHL).in 7 of last 8 away games (KHL).in last 6 games (KHL).in 7 of last 8 games (KHL).
Other predictions
