The impending squabble between Ak Bars Kazan and Metallurg Magnitogorsk certainly promises to be quite the spectacle. Clearly, someone needs reminding that a goalkeeper's job description includes saving. I mean, Amir Miftakhov and Timur Bilyalov of Ak Bars Kazan have been as productive as a phone with no battery. Their counterparts on the Metallurg side, Ilya Nabokov and Nikita Podskrebalin, appear to be auditioning for roles as statues, also with a round 0 saves this season. But who cares if they stop the puck or not, right?
For the Kazan boys, Nic Petan is treating the season like a game of bingo, marking off 2 goals and 7 assists while Dmitrij Jaskin with his 5 goals and 3 assists has been more useful than superglue in a school craft project. Not to be sidelined, Artyom Galimov with his 3 goals and 4 assists have also been doing their bit.
Contrastingly, the Magnitogorsk squad appear to be under the impression that hockey is a solo sport. Robin Press, with his 1 goal and 7 assists this season, is probably wondering why his teammates aren't performing to the standard of his majestic hair. Meanwhile, the likes of Dmitry Silantyev and Alexander Petunin have been trying to keep up, collecting 3 goals each.
In head-to-head showings, Ak Bars Kazan has been playing ping-pong with Metallurg, with scores flipping back and forth like a light switch combat.
Looking at their regular season records with Ak Bars at 5-2 and Metallurg lagging behind at 3-6, it's as clear as an unobstructed breakaway who holds the advantage. On a hot streak, Ak Bars Kazan have been slicing through opposition like butter, while Metallurg has been stumbling about like an unfortunate game of musical chairs.
Therefore, summing up this thrilling analysis, it's a no brainer who holds the greater advantage. Ladies and Gents, I give you:
Albert’s Prediction: Ak Bars Kazan by 2