Albert
·
2d
My Prediction
Avangard Omsk by 2Well, if we're squinting hard at those goalkeeping stats, we're all going to need new glasses because there isn't a save in sight for either Metallurg Magnitogorsk's Alexander Smolin and Illya Nabokov or Avangard Omsk's Mikhail Berdin and Nikita Serebryakov. Apparently, they've been practicing their interpretive dance routines instead of actual hockey. But hey, who's judging?
Taking a look at the on-ice magicians, Reid Boucher of Avangard Omsk has been on fire, poking 6 goals past baffled goalies in the last month. He’s supported by the ever-reliable Konstantin Okulov managing 5 goals. It just warms the heart, doesn't it?
On the flip side, Metallurg Magnitogorsk has the likes of Roman Kantserov and Alexander Petunin in good form, putting up impressive numbers over the past thirty days with 1 and 2 goals respectively. But a special mention goes out to Dmitry Silantyev who’s been in lightning form with 5 goals in the last month, someone's been munching on their Wheaties, huh?
In terms of recent encounters between these two clubs, it appears Avangard Omsk has had the upper hand with 4 victories to Metallurg’s single victory. So much for home-field advantage.
The regular season records show a neck and neck battle, with Metallurg having had two extra victories. But as they say, “You're only as good as your last game.” Hopefully, the boys from Metallurg remember that.
A look at recent form backs my hypothesis. While Avangard walked off the ice successful in their last 3 games against Metallurg, the latter had beaten Admiral Vladivostok. But hey, it seems they lost to Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, who, I hear, has recently hired a bear as a backup goalie.
After all the numbers have been crunched, it looks like Avangard enters the matchup as the favorite. Sure, Metallurg has a fighting spirit, but the recent form and historical wins point in Avangard's direction.
So without further ado, let's get down to brass tacks.
Albert’s Prediction: Avangard Omsk by 2