Spartak Moscow - Magnitogorsk predictions and free betting tips [26/03/2024]

Playoffs in the Kontinental Hockey League. Gagarin Cup 2024. Quarter-finals. The series score stands at 1:2. The only second-round series yet to be concluded, intriguingly, is the bottom seed from the West versus the top seed from the East. Spartak from Moscow will be hosting Metallurg from Magnitogorsk.

Spartak Moscow

Finally, the Moscow team has woken up, because the first two games of this series did not suit "Spartak" at all. It's terrifying to think that over the course of two matches, the highest scoring team in the league, netted zero pucks, but then it burst forth on their home ice. From the opening minutes, "Spartak" pushed ahead, swarming and swiftly finding their stride. Indeed, in the third match, "Spartak" finally started to make use of their opportunities, something they had previously lacked in the first period of the series opener. As for the second match, let's not even go there. The Moscow club finally delivered the hockey they had displayed in the regular season, brilliantly executing their attacking gameplay. For the first time in the series, the match was truly captivating to watch. Now, in the second home match, "Spartak's" motivation should be even higher, and most importantly, they should have a burst of self-confidence. The only question is whether recent events will impact the Moscow team. But this is a topic that is always unpredictable before a match. All we can antecipate for certain is the hockey on display. And here "Spartak" has a fantastic chance to level the series.

Metallurg Magnitogorsk

It's unclear what Andrey Razin wants from his club right now. Because when you look at the first two matches, "Metallurg," playing strictly from their own end, capitalised on their opponent's mistakes and came out with wins. But it didn't work out the same way in the third match. Yes, "Spartak" took an early lead, forcing the team from Magnitogorsk to open up their play, but even with the score at 2:2, they continued to play offensively, which their adversary duly punished. However, maybe this could be less about "Metallurg," because there's a sense in this series that everything will hinge on how "Spartak" perform. If they deliver their best, it's likely "Metallurg" won't stand much of a chance. Though, maybe the long break on account of sad circumstances, allowed Andrey Razin to come up with something new, and now we may see a different Magnitogorsk club in the fourth match of this series.

Head-to-Head

Between them, Spartak Moscow and Metallurg Magnitogorsk have played 31 matches. Of those, the Magnitogorsk club has won 24, while the Muscovites have triumphed seven times. This season, both victories have gone to Metallurg – 3:1 and 6:2. In the playoffs, the situation has not changed, with Metallurg winning the first match 4:0, and the second 1:0. But in the third match, Spartak finally managed a victory, winning 5:2.

Prediction

After the third match, Betscity sees Spartak as the favourite for this match, with odds standing at 1.71. Meanhwile, the odds for a Metallurg victory stands at 2.15. Yet, I have more faith in the Moscow team.