Metallurg Novokuznetsk vs Gornyak-UMMC prediction
Metallurg Novokuznetsk
The VHL champion certainly didn't anticipate such a fierce challenge from the Samara "aviators" in the first round of the playoffs. However, thanks to two solid away victories, the "steelworkers" tilted the scales in their favor (4:2), sending CSK VVS off for an early vacation. On their home ice, Metallurg appears formidable, remaining unbeaten in 9 out of their last 10 encounters. Still, the departure of the VHL's top scorer, Shalagin, along with their most productive defenseman, Mineeva, could impact Novokuznetsk's club's performance over the long playoff haul.
Gornyak-UMMC
The Ural team has truly put both themselves and their fans through the wringer in the face-off with Molot. The 1/8 final series began with a bang for Gornyak-UGMK, securing three consecutive wins. But then came the turn of the Perm team, who clawed their way back into the series (3:3). The home defeat at the hands of Molot, a staggering 0:6 loss, seemed to be a turning point. Yet, in the decisive seventh match, Gornyak-UGMK snatched victory on their home turf (2:1).
Prediction
The level of play and the class of the teams can't be compared, but the visitors certainly won't be playing the role of mere spectators and will attempt to compete with the best VHL club. This season, Metallurg has celebrated victory in both encounters against the Ural team (5:4 and 3:2 in overtime). All the last 8 head-to-head duels also ended in favor of Novokuznetsk. Gornyak-UGMK stands as the only playoff team in the quarterfinals with a negative goal difference (12-16), which is undoubtedly giving the Ural coaching staff a headache. In my view, Metallurg will kick off the series with a home win, with the stadium packed to the rafters.
