HC Lada Togliatti - HC Barys predictions and free betting tips [18/10/2023]

It's another thrilling action day in the Kontinental Hockey League, regular tournament 2023/2024. Leading off on Wednesday, we have a clash between two teams with opposing trajectories. Lada, currently going through a clear downturn, is hosting Barys from Astana, a team trying to calibrate their gameplay with a new coach at the helm.

Lada Togliatti

Many consider a long trip to the Far East as a time when top-tier teams secure maximum points without affecting their season significantly. In contrast, weaker teams are unlikely to accumulate points and consequently lose momentum. The current scenario paints such a picture for Lada, who have already shed points on such an expedition and are now battling with the aftermath. Lada's recent statistics show a mixed game record against Eastern underdogs: a win and a loss. The victory over Admiral, currently on a decline, might not stand as a yardstick, but the 0:4 loss to Neftekhimik indicates Lada's mounting troubles.

To date, Lada have played 20 matches and accumulated 22 points. This moderate score result comes from eight main-time victories, an additional overtime win, and four losses beyond the regular match time. Their scoreless games tally stands at seven. Lada ranks third from the last considering the goals scored, a scanty 39. Moreover, their situation looks grim with 41 conceded goals, third most in the conference. How Lada confronts another Eastern underdog will be quite intriguing.

Barys Astana

At the season outset, Barys played engaging hockey, scoring and conceding significantly. However, keeping an eye on the ball, the management ousted coach Andrey Skabelka following a loss to Vityaz in overtime. Their results have somewhat stabilised since the coaching change, with Barys securing 5 of the possible eight points in four matches. Their 0:6 loss to Lokomotiv was a clear low-point.

Their new head coach is primarily focusing on defensive play – currently, Barys has conceded 63 goals, the second-worst in the league. On the brighter side, their goal tally at 46 is more than three other Eastern clubs. Despite the improvement under new stewardship, it's only fair to assess Barys's performance considering their last four games, that reveal both gameplay and results enhancement, albeit small.

Head-to-Head

Lada and Barys have faced off in 10 matches so far, with each side claiming five victories. This fixture is all set to tip the scale in one direction as the team’s have yet to face-off this season.

Prediction

If one were to go by the league standings, it would seem obvious why bookmakers are leaning towards Lada, with odds of 1.64 for their victory. Meanwhile, Pinnacle sets the odds for a Barys triumph at 2.34. In this setup, betting on the Kazakh club's victory seems a good recommendation given their superior form compared to Oleg Bratash's squad.