The VHL regular championship match between teams from the second half of the tournament table is set to kick off. Russian hockey fans are in for a showdown between "Neftekhimik" and "Chelmet".
"Neftekhimik" skaters have played 28 official matches in the VHL regular championship of the 2023-2024 season. The team from Almetyevsk has earned 31 points in these games, allowing them to only take the 17th place in the VHL regular championship standings, lagging behind "Metallurg" from Novokuznetsk in additional indicators.
"Neftekhimik" is performing weaker than last season. This reflects on the Almetyevsk club's position in the tournament table; they were constantly in the 8-10 positions last season, confidently making the playoffs. This time, however, it's a fierce battle for the right to participate in the knockout matches. The Almetyevsk team needs to find stability in their game, which will be key to success. A series of 5 consecutive defeats leads nowhere good.
The duplicate squad of Chelyabinsk's "Traktor" has played 28 official matches in the VHL regular championship of the 2023-2024 season. The Chelyabinsk club has garnered 33 points from these 28 matches, allowing the black and whites to take the 13th place in the VHL regular championship standings. "Chelmet" is performing at the level of the previous season, comfortably making it to the Petorv Cup zone, but not the top 10 of the championship.
"Chelmet" isn't securely set at 13th place and can drop even below the top 16 at any moment. The Chelyabinsk club is only two points ahead of their upcoming rivals who hold the 17th position. They have performed quite successfully in the recent 10 championship matches, with only 3 defeats incurred.
"Chelmet" and "Neftekhimik" have clashed in 27 official matches. "Chelmet" holds the upper hand with 16 victories, while "Neftekhimik" has come out stronger in 11 matches.
"Chelmet" is expected to win within the regular time. It's a sorrowful sight looking at "Neftekhimik" in their recent matches; the Almetyevsk team seems unable to secure a victory, further deepening their psychological crisis. On the contrary, "Chelmet" rarely buckles and stands a chance to climb higher in the standings.
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