On February 28, 2025, the KHL regular season continues as Amur Khabarovsk hosts Neftekhimik Tatarstan at 12:00 PM. Despite having little to play for this season, the home team is gearing up to face off against opponents still challenging for playoff positions.
For Amur, their season has effectively ended, with playoff hopes dashed. The team has been mired in struggle, and recent rumors suggest significant changes may be on the horizon, possibly including the appointment of Alexey Zavarukhin as head coach. Regardless of coaching shifts, they remain under the interim guidance of Viktor Kostiuchenok, who has seen the team suffer four consecutive losses at home, including their most recent match against Avanagrd where they fell 1-2. This lack of form raises questions about the team’s morale.
At home this season at the Platinum Arena, Amur has only managed to accrue 15 points over 30 games, marking one of the lowest performances across the league. Their inability to convert chances remains evident, making them susceptible to the sharp counter-attacks of Neftekhimik.
On the other side, Neftekhimik is still very much alive in their playoff contention, standing ninth but only six points away from the eighth spot. Their recent form suggests they are gaining momentum after defeating Traktor 3-1 and demonstrating solid organization on the ice. Star forward Evgeny Mityakin contributed significantly, scoring twice, showcasing the team’s capabilities heading to Khabarovsk.
Statistically, Neftekhimik finds itself not only performing well offensively—scoring 14 goals over their last five games—but also capitalizing on their opponents’ weaknesses. Each team has previously faced off twice this season; Neftekhimik claimed victory 4-1 during their initial meeting, but Amur leveled the score with a shootout win on their home turf, demonstrating their ability to compete even when their season has gone south.
Coaching differences will also play pivotal roles, as both teams experience challenges. Neftekhimik will be without key players like Abrosimov, Pashnin, and Dergachev for this match, potentially impacting their defensive lineup. Yet, their tactical approach, with focus on defensive integrity and counter-drawing strength from their available depth, suggests resilience heading forward.
Regarding trends, Amur struggles particularly during the second period, not recording any goals in their last two outings during this timeframe. Meanwhile, Neftekhimik has shown regular scoring throughout these sections, making them formidable as they seek to exploit Amur's liabilities. Overall, the expectation is for Neftekhimik to capitalize on Amur's vulnerabilities and secure the victory.”
The prediction rates Neftekhimik as the favorite to win this matchup. Betting data contributes to this narrative, underscoring the likelihood of Neftekhimik winning at odds of 1.60, or even betting on them to score more than 2.5 goals due to Amur’s defensive frailties. This matchup is not just another regular season game; it must be interpreted as Neftekhimik’s determined push toward playoff qualification and their rising motivation can significantly outweigh Amur’s dwindling drive.
Player insights are also worth noting; Amur’s Devin Brossot has made waves with solid scoring potential, contributing 5 points over his last five games, but overall, Amur’s weak point remains their defense. They allow on average 3.53 goals per game—the league's worst record—reflecting on their immediate challenges. Neftekhimik's healthy players, conversely, with forwards like Bulat Shafigilulin and Mityakin consistently finding the net provides them the edge they need.
Overall, this match is shaping up to be significant, especially for Neftekhimik, who cannot afford to lose ground as the playoff race heats up. Keeping their form intact and turning around Amur's on-home ice losing streak seems feasible and necessary. The outcome of this game could determine pivotal playoff positions, establishing the tone for the concluding days of this KHL season.