Severstal Cherepovec vs Shanghai Dragons Prediction 26 October 2025
📣 Sunday's match promises hockey fans a thrilling spectacle as the Western Conference leaders, Severstal and the Shanghai Dragons, face off. The Chinese team has suffered three consecutive losses, yet their last regulation defeat was way back in early October. Severstal find themselves in a similar boat but have managed to avoid any losses beyond regulation time. So, who will come out on top and solidify their standings on the leaderboard? Let's dive into the details.
Head-to-Head
Last season, the teams clashed a total of six times, with a clear advantage going to the squad from Vologda Oblast, who secured four wins in regulation and one in a shootout. The only successful outing for the "Dragons" took place on the ice in Cherepovets last October, ending in a 3-0 victory. Back then, Nail Yakupov, Tomas Jurco, and American goaltender Kyle Keyser were still part of the ex-Kunlun roster. Keyser made an impressive 41 saves against Aymurzin and company, earning him the title of the match's standout performer on that autumn day. It's worth noting that the most high-scoring encounter between the teams occurred on November 1st, thrilling fans with nine goals. Forward Kirill Pilipenko, who hasn't played for Cherepovets this season, tallied three points in that matchup.
Head-to-head statistics Severstal Cherepovec - Shanghai Dragons
Severstal Cherepovec Team Overview
The "Steelworkers" currently hold 24 points and sit in second place in the West. This week, Andrey Kozyrev's squad participated in two matches and secured two victories. First up, Vladivostok's Admiral fell at home, losing 1-4. KHL fans know that Far Eastern teams are notoriously difficult to beat on their own ice. The team from Cherepovets had an excellent second period, netting two goals against the "Sailors" in just two minutes. The players in yellow and black took fewer shots on goal and typically avoided physical play, yet it didn't stop them from claiming the win. On October 23, the "Lynxes" defeated Omsk's Avangard in overtime (4-3). Offensive defenseman Jánis Kaldis scored twice, while 22-year-old Ilya Reinhardt sent a message to his former team by earning two points.
Match Results: Severstal Cherepovec
Shanghai Dragons Team Overview
The "Dragons" have already played two matches this week. Their away game against Spartak thrilled all hockey fans with a total of 12 goals. Forward Lucas Lockhart, now playing for the "red-and-whites," notched three points against his former team, much to the dismay of Clendening and Sommerby, who were his teammates at Kunlun. On Tuesday, we witnessed former San Jose forward Kevin Labanc in top form as he delivered three assists, excelling both on the power play and at even strength. However, in the clash with Minsk Dinamo (1:2 SO), Labanc failed to score or convert in the shootout. Former Rangers forward Greg McKegg, however, made his mark. The Shanghai team continues to accumulate penalties and often loses possession. These issues could prove costly in their battle against Cherepovets.
Match Results: Shanghai Dragons
🏒 Projected Lineups
Severstal: Samoylov - Gregoire, Kaldys - Dumbadze, Podshivaylov, Veryaev
Shanghai Dragons: Rybar - Clendening, Valentsov - Merkley, Quiney, Labanc
🥅 Goaltenders
The 28-year-old Alexander Samoylov started showcasing impressive form last season (GAA 2.57 in 45 games). In the current regular season, Samoylov has played 16 games, posting a goals-against average of 2.14. However, in the clash against the formidable Avangard, Alexander couldn't maintain a save percentage above 90%, allowing three goals from the Omsk side.
Former Spartak and Dinamo Minsk goaltender Patrik Rybar is the Dragons' first-choice netminder this season. The Slovakian has integrated well into the Chinese team's lineup. While he occasionally shares duties with his colleagues Kareyev and Tikhomirov, Rybar is expected to start against Severstal. Currently, Patrik holds a GAA of 2.25 over 12 games.
Editor's Prediction
In Sunday's clash, we suggest betting on over 5.5 goals. This bet hit in most of the head-to-head encounters between the "Steelmen" and the "Dragons" last season. Severstal's head coach Andrey Kozyrev has a knack for working with young talent, and he doesn't even need Kirill Pilipenko's help at the moment. Reinhardt, Kvocko, and Podshivalov have all stepped up under Kozyrev's guidance, and these forwards will be looking to break through the not-so-youthful defense of the visitors. Meanwhile, Labanc and his team possess a high attacking potential, which they will aim to unleash soon to maintain their position at the top of the West.No comments
Betting Tips: Severstal Cherepovec - Shanghai Dragons
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