The upcoming clash between Traktor and Lokomotiv Yaroslavl promises to be a real test for the home side as they look to turn their season around under new management. Lokomotiv have already shown they mean business this campaign and the visitors will head into the game full of confidence after their strong start. With both teams coming off mixed results in their early fixtures it is clear that defensive discipline will play a big role in deciding the outcome on the ice.
Team Form
- Traktor have struggled to pick up wins in regulation time under Scott Gordon and currently sit with just two points from their opening road trip
- Lokomotiv on the other hand boast four victories from four games including a dominant 5-1 thrashing of Traktor earlier this month
- The Yaroslavl side have kept things tight at the back conceding just one goal in each of their home outings so far
- Traktor picked up a narrow overtime win against Avtomobilist but lost ground against Ak Bars in a 1-2 defeat
Tactical Analysis
Scott Gordon has faced early criticism for the way his team has been unable to close out games in normal time and the pressure is mounting on the foreign coach. Lokomotiv under Dmitry Kvartalnov look like they never left last season behind with their solid structure and quick transitions causing problems for every opponent. The visitors excel in shutting down space in their own zone while relying on timely goals from players like Egor Surin to steal points on the road. Traktor will need to improve their special teams and find ways to break down a Lokomotiv defense that has looked almost unbeatable in the opening weeks.
Expect Lokomotiv to control the tempo once again especially after their convincing win in the reverse fixture and the home fans may have to wait a while before seeing their side get on the scoreboard. The away side has the experience and the depth to handle the long trip to Chelyabinsk while maintaining their strong record on the road.
Betting Proposal
Lokomotiv to win away with a handicap of minus one at odds of 2.45 looks the value pick while a straight victory for the visitors is also available at 2.08.
