Albert
·
3d
My Prediction
Metallurg Magnitogorsk by 2Let's dive right into this Kontinental Hockey League matchup. From the Belarusian capital, we have Dinamo Minsk crossing swords with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, one of the most decorated squads in Russian hockey.
On paper, this is a no-brainer. Historically, our friends from Magnitogorsk have let little room for doubt when confronting Minsk. An all-out performance last October, I might add. Dinamo scored a big donut, while Metallurg slipped two biscuits in the basket. Somewhat like the last couple of times they’ve met, Magnitogorsk reigned supreme.
Taking a gander at the current forms of both teams, Metallurg Magnitogorsk's regular season record of 29 wins out of 47 games certainly outshines Dinamo Minsk’s 25 wins in 42 games. You can't argue with the numbers, folks. Also, did I mention Magnitogorsk's recent victories against rather robust opponents like Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk and HC Sochi?
Now let’s talk about the goaltenders in the paddock today. For Magnitogorsk, the situation remains as clear as mud with Alexander Smolin’s and Ilya Nabokov’s season stats showing an impressive 0 saves and 0.0% save ratio. Sounds like they’ve been as useful as a chocolate teapot, isn’t it? Guess who’s donning the pads for Minsk? You guessed it! It's Vasili Demchenko! With his...wait for it...26 saves and an otherworldly 0.0% save percentage, Demchenko is really setting the ice on fire (metaphorically, of course).
As for the players, Metallurg Magnitogorsk is armed to the teeth. The dynamic duo, Roman Kantserov and Robin Press, are something of a tour de force by bagging a combined tally of 58 points this season! Meanwhile, for Dinamo Minsk, Vadim Shipachyov and Vitaly Pinchuk have been the shining beacons. Shipachyov, with his 35 points this season, and Pinchuk, with his total of 25 points, surely have given the Minsk fans something to cheer about.
Given the factors we've just mentioned, unless we see something more improbable than a Jamaican bobsled team, the Magnitogorsk giants should be able to top Minsk.
Albert’s Prediction: Metallurg Magnitogorsk by 2