Salavat Yulaev Ufa vs Sibir Novosibirsk Prediction 24 February 2026
πCan Salavat Yulaev regain their confidence after the setback against Spartak, or will Sibir snatch crucial points in their playoff chase? The team from Ufa is still in the race for a high seed in the East, while the Novosibirsk side teeters on the edge of the top eight. For the hosts, it's an opportunity to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd, while for the visitors, it's a chance to prove that the shutout loss in Nizhnekamsk was just a temporary glitch.
Head-to-Head
π The head-to-head history suggests a cautious nature to these matchups. In 15 of the last 17 encounters, Sibir have not scored more than two goals, and in 16 of those games, the total goals did not exceed seven. These statistics highlight the conservative style both teams adopt in their face-offs. Even with territorial advantage, Salavat Yulaev rarely allow their opponents to gain momentum in attack.
Head-to-head statistics Salavat Yulaev Ufa - Sibir Novosibirsk

Salavat Yulaev Ufa Team Overview
Salavat Yulaev approach their upcoming match after a mixed run of form. At the end of January, the team enjoyed a six-game winning streak, but this was followed by losses to SKA (0-4) and Spartak (3-5), with a commanding victory over Traktor (6-0) in between. These fluctuations suggest that while Ufa remains a potent attacking force, their defensive stability can sometimes be lacking. Viktor Kozlov's squad plays aggressively in the neutral zone, frequently involving their defensemen and maintaining strong puck possession. At home, Salavat Yulaev are particularly formidable; in 2026, they have only been defeated three times at the Ufa Arena. The depth of their roster allows for varied line combinations, yet maintaining focus in the final moments remains a key concern.
Match Results: Salavat Yulaev Ufa

Sibir Novosibirsk Team Overview
Novosibirsk approach the match following a mixed but thrilling stretch: two wins and three losses in their last five games. During this period, they scored 15 goals and conceded 8. The most impressive performance came in their demolition of Sochi (10-1), where the Siberians capitalized on nearly every opportunity and set a high tempo from the opening shifts. They also secured a hard-fought victory against Lada (3-2), with discipline in the closing stages proving crucial. However, they face difficulties when up against well-organized defenses. Their defeat to Neftekhimik (0-1) highlighted issues with their positional attack and finishing. In the Eastern Conference standings, Sibir hold a playoff spot, but their lead is slim, making every game significant. As they head to Ufa, the team will need maximum focus and more clinical finishing.
Match Results: Sibir Novosibirsk
Prediction for the 1st period
β‘οΈ Key Players
In recent matches for Salavat Yulaev, Evgeny Kuznetsov stands out with 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists), Sheldon Rempal with 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists), and Devin Brosseau with 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists). Kuznetsov orchestrates the attack, wins face-offs, and sets the pace on power plays. Rempal and Brosseau add versatility, often finishing quick combinations. It's the depth and distribution of points that make Ufa a formidable threat.For Sibir, Taylor Beck leads with 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists), followed by Vyacheslav Leshchenko with 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists) and Arkhip Nekolenko with 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists). Beck remains a pivotal playmaker, but without support from the second line, their attack loses its edge. It's crucial for the team that their leaders capitalize on power plays; otherwise, the opponent's pressure quickly impacts the outcome.
π₯ Goaltenders
Semyon Vyazovy is Salavat's main goaltender. This season, he boasts a save percentage of 93.0% and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.19. He has secured 23 wins and several shutouts. Vyazovy is stable on the line and confidently handles heavy traffic, which is particularly important in home games.For Sibir, Mikhail Berdin and Anton Krasotkin are in competition. Since joining, Berdin has shown impressive form with a save percentage of 93.8% and a GAA of 1.99. Krasotkin has played more games, posting a save percentage of 91.5% and a GAA of 2.71. With Salavat's active attack, the visiting goaltenders will face significant pressure, and their performance could be crucial in keeping Sibir in the game.
β‘οΈ Key Players
In recent matches, Salavat Yulaev's standout performers are Yevgeni Kuznetsov with 9 points (2 goals, 7 assists), Sheldon Rempal with 7 (2 goals, 5 assists), and Devin Brosseau with 6 (4 goals, 2 assists). Kuznetsov orchestrates the attack, wins face-offs, and sets the tempo for the power play. Rempal and Brosseau bring versatility, often finishing off quick combinations. It's this depth and distribution of points that make Ufa a formidable opponent.
For Sibir, Taylor Beck leads with 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists), followed by Vyacheslav Leshchenko with 5 (3 goals, 2 assists) and Arkhip Nekolenko with 5 (2 goals, 3 assists). Beck remains a pivotal playmaker, but without support from the second line, their attack loses its edge. It's crucial for the team that their leaders capitalize on power plays; otherwise, the pressure from opponents quickly impacts the outcome.
π₯ Goalkeepers
Semion Vyazovoi is Salavat's main goaltender. This season, he has a save percentage of 93.0% and a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.19. He has secured 23 wins and several shutouts. Vyazovoi is stable on the line and handles heavy traffic confidently, which is especially vital in home games.
Sibir's goaltending is a competition between Mikhail Berdin and Anton Krasotkin. Since joining, Berdin has showcased a high level with a save percentage of 93.8% and a GAA of 1.99. Krasotkin has played more matches, with a save percentage of 91.5% and a GAA of 2.71. With Salavat's aggressive offense, the visiting goalies will be heavily tested, and their performance could be crucial in keeping Sibir in the game.