Vityaz Podolsk vs CSKA Prediction
🔊 Can the "Bogatyri" upset Ilya Vorobyov's squad? The teams are set to conclude the regular season at the Balashikha Arena. Recently, Vityaz have been showcasing high-level hockey and are determined not to head into the off-season with a loss. Let's take a look at the bookmakers' preliminary predictions: a win for the hosts is at 4, while a victory for the visitors stands at 1.8.
Head-to-Head
CSKA have triumphed in every head-to-head clash with Vityaz this season. Their last encounter at the Balashikha Arena ended with a hard-fought victory for the Army Men (2-1 OT). Interestingly, the last home win for the Knights dates back to the 2020/21 season (2-1).
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Vityaz Podolsk Team Overview
In their last five matches, Vityaz consistently secured points. On Thursday, the "warriors" put up a strong fight against Avangard Omsk, pushing the game to overtime before falling 3-2. The loss of playoff contention seems to have liberated the players from the Moscow region club. Their previous lack of initiative and hesitance in attack often reflected poorly on their results, as they averaged just 27 shots per game, the second-worst in the KHL. Matvey Zaseda stands out individually, having contributed points in four of the last five games (scoring 4 goals and 1 assist). Among the injured players, Ivan Chekhovich and Frédérick Gauthier remain notable absences.
Match Results: Vityaz Podolsk
CSKA Moscow Team Overview
In recent matches, the "Army Men" have dropped a significant number of points. Additionally, the club has been embroiled in a doping scandal, with Vladislav Kamenev at its center. Ilya Vorobyov's hockey strategy heavily relies on securing their own net, which sometimes affects the entertainment value of the games. In away matches, the "Red and Blues" average just 2.45 goals per game (ranking 10th in the West). Let's take a look at the capital club's injury list: Vitaly Abramov and Colby Williams are still recovering from injuries.
Match Results: CSKA Moscow
📌 Probable Lineups
Vityaz: Shikin - Roy, Valentsev - Makeev, Galuzin, Zaseda
CSKA: Prosvetov - Claesson, Nesterov - Fateev, Karnaukhov, Mamin
🥅 Goalkeepers
Dmitry Shikin is far from being Vityaz's first-choice goalkeeper. Nevertheless, he has featured in 19 games for his team this season. His personal stats during this stretch are: a save percentage of 90.26%, a goals-against average of 2.78, and no shutouts.
Ivan Prosvetov has seamlessly integrated into the CSKA Moscow lineup. Only an injury has kept the Russian goalie from participating in more games. His average statistics reflect his high level of skill: a save percentage of 92.11%, a goals-against average of 2.27, and 4 shutouts.
Editorial Prediction
Away games have often proven to be a tough challenge for the Moscow side this season. Meanwhile, the "Bogatyrs" have found decent form and are undoubtedly eager to end the season on a high note. The previous head-to-head at the Balashikha Arena vividly showcased the fighting spirit of Pavel Desyatkov's team. The key pick here is a Vityaz victory with a (+1.5) handicap.
Betting Tips: Vityaz Podolsk - CSKA Moscow
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