Hc Sochi - Torpedo N. Novgorod predictions and free betting tips [14/02/2024]

The regular championship of the Kontinental Hockey League 2023/2024 is in full swing. The fourth matchday game, which concludes this relatively minor matchday, is anticipated to be as outcome-rich as the third meeting of the day. HK Sochi will welcome 'Torpedo' from Nizhny Novgorod on its home ground.

HK Sochi

The club, based on the Black Sea coast has finally elevated its game. Had it not been for issues arising earlier in the season, they would have probably been competing for playoff spots and possibly ranking even higher in the league table. Yet, at this stage, HK Sochi has lost any chance to make it to the playoffs. The main question is what to expect from Sochi now since their tournament ambitions are settled. This doesn't account for their fight to avoid being the last, as it's noticeable that HK Sochi has stepped up its game recently and returned some semblance of productiveness.

Currently, the club from Sochi is positioned at the 10th position in the conference, having accumulated 47 points after 62 games. These points were achieved through 16 regular-time wins, four overtime victories, and seven additional one-point losses. The remaining 35 matches were lost by HK Sochi without gaining any extra points. The team still concedes the most goals in the league – 237, while being the third from the bottom in terms of goals scored – 153. 

«Torpedo» Nizhny Novgorod

Igor Larionov is trying to spot things he can capitalize on this season. It's clear that 'Torpedo' hasn't been as effective in their attacks as they used to be. This is why they sometimes have to readjust their game, moving from pure attacking hockey, which brought them success last season, towards a more balanced and steady play, incorporating defense. This shift has drawn some criticism for Larionov's team.

Currently, 'Torpedo' is ranked sixth in the conference, having bagged 74 points after 62 matches. These points were achieved through 27 regular-time victories, seven overtime successes, and six additional one-point losses. The remaining 22 encounters were lost by 'Torpedo' without any bonus points. The club from Nizhny Novgorod holds the sixth position in the conference by goals scored – 175, and the fifth for goals conceded – 156. 

Head-to-head meetings

Thus far, HK Sochi and “Torpedo” Nizhny Novgorod have had 34 encounters. In this face-off, the team from Nizhny Novgorod has 21 wins, while the club from Sochi secured 13 victories. This season, the teams have bagged a win apiece. HK Sochi triumphed with a score of 5:2 and 'Torpedo' prevailed 5:3. 

Prediction

I would certainly recommend betting on a 'Torpedo' victory, simply because they need it more than the Sochi club. 

Total prediction

However, I'm more inclined towards the TO (total over) 5.5 option, at 1.86. The teams have beaten this total twice this season already, so why not make it the third time, especially given the teams' usual offensive tactics.