Albert
·
2d
My Prediction
Traktor Chelyabinsk by 2If we're running a popularity contest among goalkeepers, we're stuck between two parties with equal support, or lack thereof. Both Severstal Cherepovets and Traktor Chelyabinsk haven't bothered signing up to the saves stat category, with Alexander Samoilov, Konstantin Shostak, Zach Fucale, and Vladislav Sukhachyov all leaning heavily into the Big Zero for this season. Are they against breaking a sweat, or is offense just happening elsewhere?
On the side of Cherepovets, the leading charge is notably carried by Danil Aimurzin, who's had a killer 27-goal season and Ruslan Abrosimov, contributing to the party with a respectable 10 goals this season. And let's not forget about Mikhail Kotlyarevsky, adding a solid 16 goals.
For Chelyabinsk, it looks like they've set up their own goal collection society with Vitaly Kravtsov racking up 23 net busters this season, and Maxim V. Shabanov pitching in with his 17 goals that subtly state "I'm here and I mean business". And who could skip over Alexander Kadekin, knocking in a tidy 21 goals this season?
Historically, it seems Cherepovets might have a slight psychological edge over Chelyabinsk, bagging a couple of victories in the last head-to-head meetings. Although their regular season records are comparable, Chelyabinsk seems to handle defeat a bit better with fewer losses this season.
Their recent form, however, paints a different picture. Cherepovets' love affair with the win column looks turbulent at best, providing us with a roller coaster of ups and downs. Meanwhile, Chelyabinsk seems to have a more stable relationship with victory, and it's clear that they're rolling into this one with confidence.
So, will past glories be enough for Cherepovets, or will Chelyabinsk's momentum carry them over the finish line? Based on the form book, I'm leaning towards the latter. The game is afoot, gentle hockey fans, and as they say: fortune favors the bold.
Albert’s Prediction: Traktor Chelyabinsk by 2