Avtomobilist vs Shanghai Dragons Prediction 28 August 2026
🔊 The Moscow Mayor's Cup serves as the final major test for Avtomobilist ahead of the new season. Alexei Kudashov’s side enter the tournament having already completed a demanding slate of preseason friendlies, while the Shanghai Dragons have turned heads with their surprise victory over Spartak. Now, the Chinese club have a chance to measure themselves against another KHL contender. For the hosts, a strong start is crucial as they look to build on the progress made throughout August.
Head-to-Head
📊 Last season, the teams faced off twice. Their most recent clash took place on March 18, with Avtomobilist claiming a 6-2 victory. While the head-to-head history between these sides is still brief, both encounters last season were high-scoring affairs.
Head-to-head statistics Avtomobilist - Shanghai Dragons

Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg Team Overview
Yekaterinburg wrapped up their preparations for the Moscow tournament with a thrilling home night at UGMK Arena. The exhibition game against Traktor drew over ten thousand fans and saw the lead change hands several times. Maksim Denezhkin opened the scoring, Danil Gushchin added another, and then Anatoly Golyshev put Avtomobilist back in front. The visitors managed to force overtime, but it was Daniel Sprong who netted the game-winner in the extra frame.
The evening didn’t end with the final buzzer. The team introduced their revamped roster, and Alexei Kudashov took a moment to thank the supporters, emphasizing that the squad has no right to take the ice without giving their all. The next game will be their first chance to prove those words true as they open their campaign in the Mayor of Moscow Cup.
Match Results: Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg

Shanghai Dragons Team Overview
The offseason has been a busy one for the Dragons. The club continues to reshape its roster, bringing in young talent eager to make their mark in the KHL. Among the new arrivals is Yegor Solovyov. The forward has featured in 154 MHL games, tallying 134 points, before earning a shot in the VHL and being called up to CSKA’s senior squad. Now, he's set to embark on a new chapter with the Shanghai Dragons.
The opening game of the Moscow Mayor’s Cup turned out to be a surprisingly successful outing for the team. The Dragons edged Spartak 2-1, and did so on merit. Kotlyarevsky opened the scoring in the first period, and after the hosts pulled level, Petan netted what proved to be the winner. The closing stages saw heavy defending, but the team held on to their narrow lead and kicked off the tournament with a crucial victory.
Match Results: Shanghai Dragons
⭐️ Editorial Prediction
This matchup stands out thanks to the contrasting playing styles on display. Avtomobilist are likely to focus on puck possession and take the initiative, while the Shanghai Dragons have already shown against Spartak that they’re comfortable sitting back and capitalizing on their limited chances.
There’s another trend worth noting: their last head-to-head ended 6-2, and both teams’ preseason games have consistently featured plenty of scoring opportunities. Avtomobilist put four past Traktor, while the Dragons managed to score twice against Spartak. Given the summer hockey context and the ongoing adjustments in defensive play, backing over 5.5 total goals looks like a well-founded prediction.