Albert
·
3d
My Prediction
Salavat Yulaev Ufa by 2Looking at the stats, it's pretty clear that we're dealing with goalkeepers who see more rubber than a tire factory. For Salavat Yulaev Ufa, Alexander Samonov and Semyon Vyazovoy have definitely had a vacation during this playoff season, logging 0 saves. Patiently waiting for that first puck, fellas. Spartak's offerings are not much better. Dmitri Nikolayev has mustered a whopping 28 saves this season but hasn't been tested yet in the playoffs. His buddy Artyom Zagidulin has yet to get his gloves dirty this season or in the playoffs.
Player-wise, Salavat could play tic-tac-toe with all their top-scoring guys in the lineup. Sheldon Rempal and Josh Leivo are the dynamic duo. Rempal racked up 4 goals and 7 assists in the playoffs, while Leivo has passed the biscuit around with 10 assists. Can't forget to mention that Leivo was a can't-miss guy this season with 48 goals. That's a whole bakery worth of biscuits he put in the basket.
On the other side of the rink, Spartak is looking solid but not spectacular. Nikolai Goldobin is leading the charge with his 1 goal and 5 assists in the playoffs. Adam Ruzicka isn't far behind though, potting 2 goals and 3 assists. But no grand virtuoso performances.
Past meetings suggest a mixed bag. Salavat Yulaev Ufa enjoyed the lion's share of victories but recent history has belonged to Spartak. In the current playoffs, the series is deadlocked at one game apiece: it's as tight as a tourniquet.
The regular season swell didn't leave many high waves either, with Salavat Yulaev Ufa recording a slightly better track record at 45-21, edging out Spartak Moscow's 39-26 showing.
So bottom line it's anyone's game, but between all those zeroes in goalie stats, the offensive firepower of Leivo and Rempal, and the prevailing winds of recent history, I'm going to lean with the Ufa guys. Buckle up, this ain't going to be a light garden party.
Albert’s Prediction: Salavat Yulaev Ufa by 2