Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk vs Barys Astana Prediction 24 January 2026
🔊 In-form Neftekhimik are set to host Barys, a team experiencing more losses than wins. Can the Nizhnekamsk side extend their winning streak and defeat the Kazakh club for the fourth time this season? Our editorial team breaks down this KHL regular-season matchup in our prediction.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past five years in the KHL, these teams have faced off 18 times: Nizhnekamsk have emerged victorious in 10 encounters, while Astana have claimed 8 wins. Currently, the "Wolves" are on a three-game winning streak, and Barys have been unable to defeat their opponents in regulation time for 10 consecutive meetings-the last time the Kazakh side triumphed over Neftekhimik within three periods was back in September 2023.
In the 2025/26 season, the teams clashed three times-all matches went in favor of the Russians. Early in the season in Nizhnekamsk, the hosts secured a 3-2 victory thanks to a shorthanded goal by Kirill Kapustin. In Kazakhstan, Neftekhimik defeated Barys 5-2 with three power-play goals and clinched a 1-0 win with Herman Tochilkin's game-winning goal at the start of the match.
Head-to-head statistics Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk - Barys Astana
Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Team Overview
Igor Grishin's team kicked off the 2026 calendar year with near perfection. After suffering two losses, they embarked on a six-game winning streak. The "Wolves" not only triumphed over lower-table teams like Admiral (3-2 OT and 4-2), Barys (1-0), and Sibir (3-1), but also claimed victory in the Tatarstan derby (2-0) and against Dynamo Moscow (2-1 OT).
In 49 regular-season games, Neftekhimik have accumulated 55 points, securing a confident fifth place in the East, with no immediate threat from sixth-placed Salavat Yulaev. Nizhnekamsk are well-positioned to maintain their top-five standing heading into the playoffs-no team has performed better in their last five outings.
Recently, the management delighted fans of the Tatarstan team by signing a new one-year contract with Neftekhimik's third-leading scorer this season, Damir Zhafyarov (8 goals, 17 assists in 36 games). Former Admiral player Matvey Zaseda, who joined the "Oilers" last week, scored the lone goal from open play against Dynamo Moscow.
Match Results: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
Barys Astana Team Overview
The Kazakh club, which had been holding steady in the top 8 of the Eastern Conference, has recently lost its momentum and slipped to 10th place. Over a stretch of 13 games, Barys have managed just 2 wins and 5 points, marking the worst record in the league.
In 3 of their last 4 matches, the "Barys" have failed to score: aside from their loss to Neftekhimik, Mikhail Kravets' team also fell to Lada (0-2) and CSKA (0-1). On the road in 2026, the Astana side have yet to secure a victory, losing all 6 away games. These matches have been low-scoring affairs, with no more than five goals in total.
The coaching staff has noted that the "Barys" deliver their most vibrant and effective performances against high-profile teams-their recent wins came against CSKA, Avangard, and Dynamo Moscow. Mikhail Kravets believes that "somewhere in the back of their minds, some players think they can rely on their skill." How will they manage to gear up for Neftekhimik, a team that might not yet have the same prestige but is showing great promise?
Match Results: Barys Astana
⚡️ Key Players
The leading scorer for the "Wolves" this season, Andrey Belozerov (23 goals, 17 assists), has been instrumental in their current winning streak, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists over the last five games. The 29-year-old forward holds the second spot on the KHL's top scorers list with 23 goals, trailing only Metallurg's Roman Kantserov, who has 27.
For Barys, the primary offensive burden is shouldered by their American imports: forwards Michael Vecchione (12 goals, 18 assists) and Mason Morelli (9 goals, 18 assists) are among the top three scorers, along with defenseman Riley Walsh (9 goals, 20 assists).
🥅 Goaltenders
The current winning streak owes much to the performance of Yaroslav Ozolin, who boasts a 92.3% save percentage this season. He has taken over the starting goalie role from Philipp Dolganov, who has a 92.9% save rate. In six consecutive victories, the 25-year-old Ozolin never dipped below a 90% save percentage and recorded two shutouts: making 27 saves against Ak Bars and 36 against Barys.
Despite any tournament challenges, another import, American goalie Adam Scheel, maintains an impenetrable presence game after game. The 26-year-old has not dropped below a 90% save rate in 2026. His low goals-against average of 2.0 per game this year highlights Scheel's contribution.
Editor's Prediction
Recent games featuring Neftekhimik and Barys have been low-scoring affairs. In eight of the last nine matches involving the Russian club, five or fewer goals were scored, while Barys have an even more striking record-none of their eight games since New Year have surpassed six goals per match.
The head-to-head clashes between the "Wolves" and the "Snow Leopards" have only once in the last eight meetings over the past two years delighted fans with more than six goals. As the playoff race has yet to reach its final stage, both teams might opt for this style of play once again. These insights lead to a prediction of under 5.5 goals in the match.
No comments
Betting Tips: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk - Barys Astana
in 9 of last 10 games against Barys Astana (KHL).in last 6 games (KHL).in 12 of last 13 games (KHL).in last 7 away games (KHL).in last 10 games against Barys Astana (KHL).in last 6 games (KHL).in 7 of last 8 games (KHL).in last 6 away games (KHL).in 10 of last 11 home games against Barys Astana (KHL).in 9 of last 10 games against Barys Astana (KHL).in 10 of last 11 away games (KHL).in 7 of last 8 games (KHL).in last 5 home games (KHL).in 8 of last 9 away games (KHL).
Other predictions
