CSKA vs Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Prediction 25 February 2026
📣 After a challenging trip to Sochi, CSKA return to Moscow to face Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk. Both teams are in the playoff zone and are looking to strengthen their positions in the top eight. Will the events that unfolded at Sirius affect the "Army Men"? We'll find out soon enough.
Head-to-Head
This season, the teams have played one match. Neftekhimik claimed a narrow victory with a 3-2 scoreline. The team from Nizhnekamsk proved stronger in the second and third periods, showcasing solid defense after a slip-up in the first period. Forwards Tochilkin and Shafigullin each tallied two points. In terms of overall head-to-head results, the "Army Men" and "Wolves" have faced off in 35 matches, with CSKA holding the advantage with 25 wins.
Head-to-head statistics CSKA - Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk

CSKA Moscow Team Overview
CSKA have solidified their position at fifth in the Western Conference thanks to some strong performances since early January. The Moscow team have claimed eight victories in their last ten games. Such results command respect, especially considering Nikitin's squad's struggles in the first part of the season. CSKA's scoring is decent, averaging around 2.43 goals per game, while their defense holds opponents to less than two goals. Their defensive line has been one of the most reliable in the league for several seasons - undoubtedly a major asset. Last week, they unexpectedly lost to Lada (1-2) and then fell short against SKA in the derby (0-3). On Monday, they were set to face Sochi, but the match was not completed due to circumstances beyond the teams' control. It's worth noting that Guryanov and Provolnev are still recovering and remain absent from the lineup.
Match Results: CSKA Moscow

Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk Team Overview
Neftekhimik have been inconsistent in their last ten outings. Despite this, the team is striving to break into the top five in the Eastern Conference. Last week, Igor Grishin's squad displayed exceptional form, conceding just one goal across three games. However, they couldn't overcome Yaroslavl's Lokomotiv, losing 0-1. They managed to edge out Novosibirsk's Sibir, a perennial rival, with the same 1-0 scoreline. Goalie Filip Dolganov has been impressive between the pipes, with solid support from his defensive partners. However, Nizhnekamsk's offensive output has been limited, averaging just 1.8 goals per game over the last ten matches. The absence of Belozerov, Khafizullin, and Barulin for the trip to Moscow further complicates their situation.
Match Results: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk
🏒 Projected Lineups
CSKA: Gamzin - Okhotyuk, Samorukov - Buchelnikov, Sorkin, Poltapov
Neftekhimik: Dolganov - Serikov, Pastukhov - Nadvorny, Mityakin, Zhafarov
🥅 Goalies
Alexander Samonov continues to share playing time with Dmitry Gamzin. Over 32 games, Dmitry has posted a goals-against average of 1.65 and has recorded five shutouts.
Neftekhimik's primary goalie is 27-year-old Filipp Dolganov. In 43 appearances, he has registered a goals-against average of 2.47, with four shutouts to his name (two of which came last week).