Albert
·
3d
My Prediction
Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg by 2Taking a look at this Kontinental Hockey League meet-up, we've got the Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg ready to clash with HC Sochi on the ice.
Now here's an interesting tidbit - we've absolutely no information on any meaningful saves from any of the goalkeepers this season. It might as well be an open party on both ends. On Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg's side, there's Evgeny Alikin and Vladimir Galkin, and for HC Sochi, we have Yevgeni Volokhin and Sergei Ivanov. I'd say it’s like playing Russian roulette but even that has the potential for at least one outcome.
Moving onto the top players, starting with Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, we have quite a few chocolate chip cookies in the tin. Brooks Macek and Anatoli Golyshev have been cracking the whip pretty consistently this season, lighting the lamp 15 and 11 times, respectively. Adding to their recipe is Alexander Sharov, mixing in 9 goals and 15 assists.
On the side of HC Sochi, we have quite the dynamic duo in Sergei Popov and Will Bitten. Popov has been cooking with 12 goals and 11 assists this season, while Bitten took a LARGER bite last month with 8 goals. Artur Tyanulin isn't far behind, having clocked in 9 goals and a whopping 24 assists this season.
Previous duels between these two teams tilted towards Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg with victories in both matchups. I don't have a crystal ball, but that historical record surely does paint a picture.
Let's not forget the regular season records - Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg commanding a decent 26-17 against a measly 14-28 for HC Sochi. Doesn't bode well for our friends from the Black Sea, does it?
Finally, a peek at the recent results for both teams reveals a cross patch quilt, but Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg does have a better design with a string of victories.
All things considered, I'm leaning towards the frosty breath of Siberia making a mark here.
Albert’s Prediction: Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg by 2