Sibir Novosibirsk vs Lokomotiv Yaroslavl Prediction 27 September 2026
π Just as Sibir are beginning to show signs of life, the schedule throws them right into the path of the Western Conference leaders. And itβs not just a one-off-these teams are set for back-to-back clashes. Lokomotiv, however, arrive in Novosibirsk far from their best form: the Yaroslavl side shipped five goals to Barys, then surrendered the third period to Amur and came up empty once again. For Sibir, this is a real chance to see if their recent performance against Ak Bars was a genuine step forward or just a brief spark.
Five goals should be enough
π These two sides have a long-standing reputation for low-scoring encounters. Last season, they faced off three times-including a friendly-and Lokomotiv came out on top each time, with the average total goals at 4.6 per game. Their head-to-head run without surpassing the five-goal mark has now stretched to 15 straight meetings. This summer, Yaroslavl claimed another win (5-2), with six of the seven goals coming on the power play.
Head-to-head statistics Sibir Novosibirsk - Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Sibir managed to salvage at least a point.
After thrashing Sochi 5-1, the Novosibirsk side returned home and put up a real fight against Ak Bars. Sibir twice took the lead, matched their opponents with 34 shots on goal, and only fell short in the shootout (2-3). There was little to separate the teams in terms of attacking time as well-12:20 for Sibir versus 13:33 for Ak Bars. Sergei Popov and Mikhail Orlov each found the net, but the hosts couldnβt come up with a crucial third goal.
Finishing remains one of the teamβs main issues. Over eight games, Sibir have averaged exactly two goals per game, and Yaroslav Luzenkov admitted after the last outing that they simply arenβt scoring enough. The squad is also dealing with injury concerns: Maxim Osipov is set for surgery, Evgeny Kuznetsov has suffered a knee injury, and Maxim Sushko is sidelined as well. On a positive note, Taylor Beck is reportedly back to full fitness and training at full intensity, according to the coach.
Match Results: Sibir Novosibirsk
Lokomotiv are struggling in attack
Lokomotivβs first six games painted a different picture - the team conceded more than one goal just once during that stretch. However, defensive lapses soon followed: first, Barys put five unanswered goals past them, and then Amur struck three times in the third period alone, beating Daniil Isaev. In Khabarovsk, Lokomotiv held the lead after two periods, but a string of poor line changes and sloppy defensive recoveries turned the game on its head (1-3).
The offense is also facing its share of challenges. Over their last three outings, the Yaroslavl side failed to convert any of their 10 power play opportunities, with Ilya Nikolaevβs lone goal against Amur coming shorthanded. Despite these struggles, Lokomotiv remain among the leagueβs best in terms of chance creation - their average xG stands at 2.93. Injured duo Maxim Berezkin and Artur Kayumov will miss the trip to Novosibirsk.
Match Results: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
β‘οΈ Key Players
For Sibir, the unlikely points leader is defenseman Darren Dietz, who has tallied 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in eight games. Dietz averages 21:43 of ice time per game, has registered 25 shots on goal, and blocked 17 more. Evgeny Kuznetsov managed 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in seven appearances but is currently sidelined with an injury. Sergei Popov has scored twice on nine shots, boasting a shooting percentage of 22.2%.
Lokomotivβs top performer is Alexander Radulov with 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists) in nine games. Heβs converted 21.1% of his shots, with two of his four goals coming on the power play. Egor Surin follows closely behind with 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists) and an 18.2% shooting percentage. Among defensemen, Rushan Rafikov stands out with 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) while averaging 20:02 on the ice.
π₯ Goaltenders
Mikhail Berdin shoulders the bulk of the workload for Sibir. Over six games, heβs stopped 142 of 157 shots for a .904 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average. Berdin has two wins and one shutout to his name. Anton Krasotkin has featured in two games without a victory yet, but holds a slightly higher save percentage at .911.
Lokomotivβs Daniil Isaev boasts significantly stronger numbers: a .940 save percentage and a 1.49 goals-against average across eight games. Isaev has secured six wins, conceding just 11 goals on 182 shots faced. Alexei Melnichuk has made two appearances, picking up one win with an .878 save percentage and a 3.07 goals-against average.
βοΈ Editorial Prediction
Even with Lokomotiv's recent defensive lapses, there's little reason to expect a high-scoring affair here. In their last 11 head-to-head KHL matchups, the teams have never combined for more than 5.5 goals, and in eight of Lokomotivβs last nine games, no more than five goals have been scored. Sibirβs offense has also struggled, averaging exactly 2 goals per game over their last eight outings. Lokomotiv arenβt firing on all cylinders up front either, failing to convert in 10 straight power play opportunities across three matches. Several key stats point toward the same outcome. My pick: under 5.5 total goals.
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Betting Tips: Sibir Novosibirsk - Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
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