Ladies and Gentlemen, get ready for the mighty tussle in the ice-gladiatorial arena between Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg and Dynamo Moscow.
Now, let's start by saying that both teams haven't put faith in their goalkeepers. With a shocking 0.0 save % from all goalies on both ends, the net is wide open for the attackers.
Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg has brought in firepower with players like Stephane Da Costa and Brooks Macek, solid performers both last month and for the season. However, it's Dynamo Moscow who pack a meaner punch. Nikita Gusev has been magnificent, with 7 goals in the last month and 23 goals this season, and he's not alone. Jordan Weal and Max Comtois stand shoulder to shoulder with him on the frontlines.
Let's take a trip down memory lane. Once, twice, three times – Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg has consistently come second to Dynamo Moscow in their last three matchups. Ouch, that's gotta hurt.
If we talk about the regular season, they're about as evenly matched as two siblings vying for the last slice of birthday cake - Avtomobilist's 37-20 versus Dynamo's 37-21, you can't get more neck and neck than that.
But, as they say, you're only as good as your last game. A quick glance at their recent results, shows that Dynamo is coming into this match with better form and momentum.
A look at all these ingredients suggests we’re in for a treat from Dynamo Moscow tonight. Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, bless their hearts, they’re gonna need more than just hope I think.
Albert’s Prediction: Dynamo Moscow by 3