Severstal Cherepovets - HC Traktor Chelyabinsk predictions and free betting tips [26/12/2023]

The third game of the gaming day in the Continental Hockey League regular championship 2023/2024 could be teeming with scores as Severstal takes on Traktor of Chelyabinsk in Cherepovets.

Severstal Cherepovets

Led by coach Andrey Kozyrev, Severstal has been somewhat disappointing after the championship break. Not due to outcomes but their game as they've only managed to score just five goals in three matches after the break. Remarkably, Severstal could previously score as much in one match, even losing, yet in these latest three games, they won twice with only five goals to their name.

They currently stand in seventh place in the conference with 45 points after 42 games - earned through 16 victories in regular time, three shootout victories, and seven one-point losses. Severstal scored a total of 130 goals – the fourth highest, and conceded 125 goals – the fourth lowest.

Traktor Chelyabinsk

Despite facing issues, such as failing to find an assistant coach to help Aleksey Zavarukhin during the break, Traktor managed to regain a good form earning five out of a possible six points. Currently, Traktor stands fifth in the Eastern conference table after 43 games with 51 points - resulting from 17 regular-time victories, six overtime/ shootout victories, and five one-point losses. They hold fifth place for scoring with 112 goals and third for fewest conceded goals with 100.

Head-to-Head Matches

Severstal and Traktor have had 34 encounters so far. Traktor has the upper hand with 22 wins while Severstal claimed victory in 12 matches. This season, the teams have not yet played against each other.

Prediction

What's intriguing is that Traktor of Chelyabinsk is a very slight favourite. Personally, I would go with Traktor's victory considering their good form post-break in spite of it being a high-risk bet.

Total Bet Prediction

I would rather go for TO (5.5) at 2.24, expecting Severstal to finally make a scoring breakthrough. Their first three matches didn't quite hit the mark, at least in terms of offense, and this time they are against a team that invites them to play an attacking game.