Salavat Yulaev Ufa vs Traktor Chelyabinsk Prediction 26 February 2026
🔊 Can Salavat Yulaev extend their lead over a direct rival, or will Traktor put up a fight and close the gap in the standings? The teams are neck and neck in the East. Ufa have found their stride and play confidently at home, but Chelyabinsk have shown they can bounce back after tough losses. Who will prove to be more consistent in a matchup where every penalty and power play conversion could determine the outcome?
Head-to-Head
📊 In mid-February, the teams clashed in Chelyabinsk, where Salavat Yulaev secured a resounding victory with a 6-0 scoreline. Traktor's discipline let them down, as they faced five penalties without earning any power plays in their favor. In recent head-to-head encounters, Ufa consistently creates chances against Chelyabinsk's defense. These matchups rarely remain calm, with both teams engaging physically and frequently exceeding the average number of infractions. The power play factor often emerges as a crucial element in these battles.
Head-to-head statistics Salavat Yulaev Ufa - Traktor Chelyabinsk

Salavat Yulaev Ufa Team Overview
The Ufa team have been on a remarkable run, securing 8 victories in their last 10 games. They've climbed to 5th place in the East, keeping their hopes for a top-4 finish alive. Following a defeat to SKA (0-4), Ufa bounced back with a resounding win over Traktor (6-0). They then suffered a setback against Spartak (3-5), but managed to edge out Sibir (3-2) in overtime at home. This demonstrates their resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
On home ice, Salavat Yulaev are in their element, winning 7 of their last 9 games. The team effectively capitalizes on power plays, consistently applying pressure through puck control and quick zone entries. Over the past 10 games, Ufa have conceded more than two goals only four times. Their balance of offense and defense is currently among the best in the East.
Match Results: Salavat Yulaev Ufa

Traktor Chelyabinsk Team Overview
Chelyabinsk are currently seventh in the East and continue their fight for a playoff spot. They've secured six wins in their last eight games, but their defense lacks consistency. After suffering heavy defeats to Avangard (2-6) and Salavat Yulaev (0-6), the team bounced back with victories over Severstal (5-2) and Lada (4-2).
Throughout the season, Traktor rank among the top three highest-scoring teams in the East with 183 goals. However, they've conceded 18 goals in their last five games, one of the worst records in the conference. On the road, Chelyabinsk are less organized, and discipline often becomes an issue.
Match Results: Traktor Chelyabinsk
⚡️ Leaders
Salavat Yulaev's leaders are in top form. Evgeny Kuznetsov has racked up 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) over the last five games, consistently impacting results, including power play contributions and key assists during even-strength play. Devin Brosseau has added 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists), taking an active role in finishing attacks, while Sheldon Rempal has also tallied 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists), enhancing the depth of the offense. Ufa's attacking line is currently well-balanced, with threats emerging from multiple lines rather than just one.
For Traktor, recent games have seen Vasily Glotov lead with 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists), Grigory Dronov with 4 (1 goal, 3 assists), and Maxim Dzhioshvili with 3 (2 goals, 1 assist). Glotov frequently finishes attacks, Dronov actively joins from the blue line, and Dzhioshvili adds mobility to the second line. However, Chelyabinsk's scoring is more sporadic, with the burden less evenly distributed than their opponent's.
🥅 Goalies
Semyon Vyazovoy remains Salavat Yulaev's primary goaltender. This season, he has played 35 games, securing 24 wins with a goals-against average of 2.18 and a save percentage of 92.9%. These stats underscore the stability of their last line of defense. Vyazovoy was in net for their recent victory against Traktor. At home, Ufa maintains discipline, reducing dangerous chances against them, allowing the goalie to play confidently without unnecessary panic.
For Traktor, Sergey Mylnikov shares the main workload. In 20 games this season, he has a goals-against average of 2.79 and a save percentage of 90.9%. While these numbers are respectable, the team has conceded 18 goals in the last five games, indicating defensive issues and increased pressure on the goalie. Frequent penalties elevate the pressure, often becoming a decisive factor in matches against attacking opponents.
Editor's Prediction
Salavat Yulaev are on a roll with eight wins in their last ten games and a strong home performance to boot. Notably, in seven of those ten matches, the Ufa team scored more than two goals, consistently surpassing the three-goal mark. The team aggressively capitalizes on power plays and maintains relentless pressure in the offensive zone. Meanwhile, Traktor have conceded 18 goals over their last five games and recently suffered a heavy defeat in a head-to-head clash (0-6). Defensive and disciplinary issues remain systemic for Chelyabinsk. Considering the hosts' current form and prevailing trends, a bet on Salavat Yulaev's individual total over 2.5 goals seems a wise choice.