Here's a fun fact for you. Goalkeepers for both Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Dinamo Minsk seem to be playing hide and seek with the puck, recording a grand total of zero saves. That's right, zero, zip, zilch, nada. Some might call them the Ghost Keepers of the KHL. You've got to hand it to them though, they're consistent.
As for the skaters, Metallurg Magnitogorsk's scoring unit is led by Dmitry Silantyev and Nikita Mikhailis, both netting a solid 5 goals this season. Their teammate Alexander Petunin is hot on their heels with his 5 goals. Now, on the Dinamo Minsk side, Alexander Volkov and Sam Anas serve as the main offensive power. However, an honorable mention has to be given to Vadim Moroz, who's netted 6 for himself this season.
A peek into the past shows us Metallurg Magnitogorsk has celebrated a little more when these two have faced off, winning both recent matchups with significant margins. That's gotta sting, no doubt.
As per their recent form, Dinamo Minsk does look stronger. They edged out SKA St. Petersburg and held CSKA Moscow to a one-goal difference. Metallurg, meanwhile, has seen everything from a thrilling win against Dynamo Moscow to a crushing defeat by Ak Bars Kazan.
But as they say, the past is in the past, and we've got the present to look at. The current records show us a slight edge for Dinamo Minsk with an 8-6 record versus Metallurg Magnitogorsk's 8-9.
Now, let's not dwell on the math here. After all, hockey isn't a Sudoku puzzle. But taking everything into account, I suggest you keep an eye on the underdogs this time.
Albert’s Prediction: Dinamo Minsk by 1