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Lokomotiv vs Kunlun: KHL Match Prediction
On October 9, Lokomotiv will face Kunlun for the second time this season. Recently, the teams met in Mytishchi, where the Yaroslavl side dominated the match with a score of 6-2. The Chinese team started their away series well but suffered heavy losses in their recent games. Can Mikhail Kravets find a way to secure a victory against the KHL leaders? Or will the railwaymen strengthen their position in the standings? We delve into the match preview.
Command Analysis
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
Russian FederationCurrent Form
Lokomotiv returned home from Eastern Russia after defeating Avtomobilist (1-0 OT) and Avangard (5-3). In the matchup against the Omsk team, the Yaroslavl squad made a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 1-3 deficit by the second intermission. In the Golden Ring capital, the railwaymen lost to SKA (3-4 OT), relinquishing a one-goal lead. Nevertheless, the defeat to the Army Men did not prevent Igor Nikitin's team from maintaining its position at the top of the KHL standings, with the "Locomotives" earning 22 points from their first 13 games.
Lokomotiv remains the most reliable team in the league. On average, they allow just 1.38 goals per game, and Daniil Isaev was named the best goaltender for the season's first month. Maxim Berezkin has claimed the title of the club's top scorer, accumulating ten points (4+6) in the goals plus assists statistic.
Disqualifications and Injuries
Denis Alexeyev continues to be listed among the injured players on the Yaroslavl roster.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Lokomotiv registers an average of 33 shots on goal per game
The home team consistently puts significant pressure on opposing goalies.
- The railwaymen win 56.8% of faceoffs
Lokomotiv excels in the faceoff circle, with centers frequently winning the puck for their teammates.
HC Red Star Kunlun
ChinaCurrent Form
Kunlun's current away streak began on a high note. The team pulled off a shocking victory against SKA in St. Petersburg with a score of 5-4 and followed it up with a win in Ufa against Salavat Yulaev, overcoming a 0-2 deficit after the second period to win 5-2. However, just a day later, Red Star faced a crushing defeat by Vityaz in Balashikha, losing 2-7. Prior to their game in Yaroslavl, the team struggled offensively, failing to score against Torpedo in Nizhny Novgorod, ending the match at 0-4. Under the guidance of Mikhail Kravets, the team has slipped to tenth in the Western Conference, currently holding ten points after 13 games.
The visitors are facing significant defensive challenges. They average 3.92 goals allowed per game, and both Jeremy Smith and Konstantin Volkov have yet to impress fans with standout saves. The team's leading scorer remains Nail Yakupov, who has recorded eight points with seven goals and one assist.
Injuries and Suspensions
Dmitry Ovchinnikov is still recovering from his injury and will not participate in the game in Togliatti.
Interesting Betting Trends
- Kunlun averages 27 shots on goal per match.
The Chinese team does not shoot frequently but converts 9.7% of their opportunities.
- The visitors register just 11 hits per game.
Red Star avoids physical battles and favors a more skillful style of hockey.
Trends
Bet 2nd period: total over 1.5 goals
In the first match between the teams, three goals were scored in the second period
1.60Bet 2nd period: both teams to score - yes
In the last three matches between these teams, both sides scored in the second periods
2.75Tip and bets
The Lokomotiv team faced its third loss of the season recently but still holds the top spot in the KHL standings. Under Igor Nikitin's leadership, the team has been performing exceptionally well this fall, providing little opportunity for opponents. Kunlun gave their all at the start of their away series but suffered defeats in Balashikha and Nizhny Novgorod without a fighting chance. We don't believe the visitors have a realistic shot at earning points in Yaroslavl. We anticipate a decisive victory for the railroaders. Our recommendation is to bet on a negative handicap for the first period.
Our prediction is a Lokomotiv win with an Asian handicap (-2) at 1.80
Total Goals Bet
The Railwaymen put on an impressive performance in Mytishchi, especially against Kunlun, scoring multiple goals. While the visitors can certainly respond, their defense remains one of the weakest in the league. We don’t expect this matchup to be lackluster.
Prediction - total goals under five at 1.62
First Period Total Bet
Both teams have shown a tendency to start strong in the opening periods during their encounters in Yaroslavl. Given the challenges faced by the Chinese club, the hosts could easily net two goals within the first 20 minutes. Let's place a bet on the total goals being over in the first segment of the match.
Prediction - total over 1.5 goals in the first period at 1.85
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