Severstal Cherepovets - CSKA Moscow predictions and free betting tips [22/11/2023]

Continental Hockey League regular tournament 2023/2024. The concluding match of the game day and a rematch of the first round of the prior Gagarin Cup playoffs. Of course, both Severstal and CSKA Moscow have changed significantly, with CSKA already boasting two cups, yet it's still interesting to see how Severstal from Cherepovets will challenge the visitors from Moscow. 

Severstal Cherepovets

Spartak's leadership in the conference overshadows all other teams and their performances. When you have the league's most dominant team, others seem pale by comparison. Excluding Spartak, the battle for the league’s most assertive team would be disputed between Severstal's former coach and the team itself under the new coach. Indeed, despite Severstal's results raising questions, their game is one of the toughest in the league. Presently, Severstal ranks seventh with 33 points from 32 games, due to 12 regular-time wins, two by shootouts, and five one-point losses. They lost 13 matches without acquiring any extra points. Cherepovets' team is fourth from last in goals conceded (101 to be precise), but have scored thoroughly well, ranking second in the conference with 107 goals. 

CSKA Moscow

What constitutes a crisis? Is Severstal's four losses in the last five matches a serious crisis? It might seem so, but for an average team, this seems routine. Here's CSKA's crisis: mid-season, they're out of the top-four championship spots and have already lost two army derbies. Currently, CSKA is in dreadful shape; despite three consecutive wins, they were against bottom table sides with very narrow victories. They only beat HC Sochi 3:1; the rest, Amur and Neftekhimik, were overcome 2:1. Then they lost to SKA 2:1. Presently, CSKA sixth with 36 points from 32 matches including 14 regular-time wins, three victories beyond, and two one-point losses. They lost the remaining 13 games without gaining points. CSKA are second in goals conceded (72, as well as SKA) only to Lokomotiv. However, they are in the fifth position in terms of goals scored with 94, same as SKA. Both arch-rivals progress through the season side by side.

Head-to-Head

Severstal and CSKA have faced off in 42 matches. CSKA dominated with 26 victories, while Severstal claimed 16 games. This season, Severstal emerged victorious with 2:1. 

Prediction

Personally, for me, this is the most challenging prediction in the last two months. The clear match favourite CSKA has an odds of 1.53 by Painnacle, while Severstal has equal odds of 2.56. However, I'm uncertain which outcome to select. CSKA seems like the clear choice, but considering their recent performance and previous encounters, this creates some apprehension.