Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod looks set to bag their fifth win of the season when they host Avangard Omsk on the 22nd of September. The home side has shown real steel at their new rink, dropping just two games all campaign and both of those came against the mighty CSKA. Against every other opponent they have picked up four victories, three of them inside regulation time, and their attack has been firing on all cylinders in those triumphs.
Team Form
After a short break the boys from Nizhny are back on home ice where they have been tough to beat. Last season they struggled against this same Avangard side, losing both regular season clashes, but the current form tells a different story. Avangard have had a tough start to their road trip, falling 1-2 in Yaroslavl and now heading into Chelyabinsk with plenty of injury worries that have forced coach Guy Boucher to field an experimental lineup.
- Torpedo scored seven goals in one away win against Lada and netted at least three against Ak Bars and Dinamo Minsk in victories
- Avangard managed only one regulation win in five outings, a 4-1 result over Sochi, and have struggled to score more than two goals in other games
- Home side has collected two points from every opponent except CSKA this season
Tactical Analysis
Torpedo have been clinical in front of goal when it matters most and their power play looks sharp after the break. Avangard on the other hand are dealing with a raft of injuries that has left their forward lines thin and their defensive structure shaky on the road. The visitors will need to find a way to keep the game tight if they hope to steal points, but the home crowd and the fresh legs of Torpedo could prove too much.
Betting Proposal
With the hosts in such good nick and Avangard looking vulnerable away from home, backing Torpedo to win or at least not lose inside regulation time makes plenty of sense. The numbers back it up and the value is there for those who like a little extra safety on their wager.
Torpedo to win at 2.75 or Torpedo with handicap 1 (0) at 2.10
Overall this matchup shapes up as a strong home win for the Nizhny Novgorod outfit who have been consistent against everyone bar the league leaders. Expect a high tempo game with Torpedo pushing hard for that fifth victory in front of their own fans.
