Shanghai Dragons vs AK Bars Kazan Prediction 23 November 2025
📣 After a four-game road trip, the Shanghai Dragons are back at the "SKA Arena" to face Kazan's Ak Bars. In recent years, Shanghai's predecessors from Beijing have struggled to secure victories against the Kazan side. Can the revamped Dragons, led by San Jose star Kevin Labanc, overcome the formidable Bars this time around? Let's delve into it.
Head-to-Head
Last season, Kunlun and Ak Bars clashed twice, with the Kazan side coming out on top in both encounters. At the Tatneft Arena, the hosts left no room for error, dominating the Beijing team with a decisive 5-0 victory. Amir Miftakhov, who ventured overseas in hopes of securing a spot with Carolina, recorded a shutout by stopping all 27 shots from the Fu brothers and their teammates. Young forward Denis Komkov also made an impression; he's currently shining in the VHL with Almetyevsk Neftyanik. The second meeting could have been a success for Kunlun, but they faltered in the third period and suffered another heavy defeat, 6-3. For the Chinese team, Lockhart and Graovac found the back of the net, though they now play for other clubs.
Head-to-head statistics Shanghai Dragons - AK Bars Kazan
Shanghai Dragons Team Overview
The "Dragons" played two matches this week, securing 4 points. They first outplayed Novosibirsk's Sibir with a 3-0 victory. Despite Sibir's struggles, they took numerous shots at Patrik Rybar and were stronger in face-offs, yet failed to overcome the towering defense and score against the Slovakian goaltender. Following that, the Shanghai team claimed a more powerful win by defeating Yaroslavl's Lokomotiv (4-3 OT). The team excelled in the third period, netting 3 goals past Isayev. The standout performers were Merkley, Quinney, and Labanc, recently grouped into a line by Gerard Gallant. In their latest encounter, the Shanghai side maintained discipline, recording only 6 penalty minutes, which proved crucial. Recently, it was announced that they signed defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk, who began his KHL career with Ak Bars and might play on Sunday.
Match Results: Shanghai Dragons
AK Bars Kazan Team Overview
The visitors from Kazan showcased stellar performances in October, but have been letting their fans down as autumn draws to a close. Since the start of November, Anvar Gatiyatulin's squad has managed only three victories. They twice outplayed Neftekhimik in the Tatar derby and edged past Moscow's Dynamo in a goal-scoring thriller (with Dynamo also struggling for form lately). As for Kazan's injury list, it's worth noting that players like Pustozorov, Biro, and Yarullin are currently sidelined. The goaltending situation raises concerns: main goalkeeper Timur Bilyalov has maintained a save percentage of 90% in only two of his last five games. However, he redeemed himself in the Tatar derby, and Kazan continues to place their faith in him.
Match Results: AK Bars Kazan
🏒 Projected Lineups
Shanghai Dragons: Rybar - Reilly, Harpur - Merkley, Quinney, Labanc
Ak Bars: Bilyalov - Miller, Lyamkin - Yashkin, Semyonov, Barabanov
🥅 Goalies
The new week sees the Dragons' primary goaltender, Patrik Rybar, back in action. The Slovakian has recovered from a minor injury and returned in high spirits, securing a shutout against Sibir before stopping 46 shots from Lokomotiv players.
No matter how you slice it, Timur Bilyalov remains Ak Bars' number one. His current goals-against average stands at 2.61 over 21 games. Timur also boasts two shutouts to his name.
Editorial Prediction
Considering the "Dragons" have shown solid defensive performances in most of their recent home games, we suggest betting on a total under 5.5 goals. This bet has also been successful in four of Ak Bars' last five away matches. Timur Bilyalov needs to establish himself as the team's first-choice goalie, as there's a risk of losing out to Mikhail Berdin in the competition for the spot. Bilyalov's counterpart from Slovakia, Patrik Rybar, has been impressive this week and, in our view, will help keep the total low on Sunday.No comments
Betting Tips: Shanghai Dragons - AK Bars Kazan
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