On February 24, 2025, Sibir Novosibirsk is set to clash with Admiral Vladivostok as both teams fight for playoff positioning within the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). While Admiral appears to have turned the corner after struggling earlier, Sibir has entered a troubling slump as they seek to regain their footing.
Sibir, once seen as potential playoff contenders, is grappling with the aftermath of four consecutive losses, leaving them battling to maintain their eighth-place standing in the Eastern Conference. A string of poor performances against much stronger teams—most recently losing to Metallurg (2-5), Automobilist (0-5), and Spartak (2-6)—has significantly impacted Sibir's chances, prompting urgent calls for a turnaround.
Reported by AllSport.ru, the primary concern for Sibir has been its mediocre defense, which has allowed 17 goals across their last four outings. This statistic starkly contrasts with their earlier position, where Sibir boasted impressive stats and appeared secure for the playoffs. Currently, they are the worst team in the KHL for shots on target, showcasing their passive offensive approach. Still, Sibir's power play is remarkable, scoring 27.7% of the time, which places them first across the league, signaling the team's ability to remain competitive.
Key player Taylor Beck has been active offensively, contributing points in six out of seven games. Though struggling to convert consistently at even strength, any success against Admiral could reignite their playoff aspirations. Losses today could prove fatal to their finals chances.
On the other hand, Admiral Vladivostok is on the upswing. Having stabilized after earlier setbacks, they now captain the eighth position, just one point above Sibir. Admiral's momentum has built from their recent overtime victories against Barys (4-3 OT), Amur (2-1 OT), and Automobilist (4-3 OT), contributing to their solid performance guarded by mobile forwards.
According to expert analysis, Admiral's forward lineup has been revitalized with key players returning from injury, making them much more versatile against upper-tier teams. Their average score of 2.8 goals per game makes them dangerous opponents, especially considering Sibir's defensive lapses.
One persistent challenge for Admiral is their first-period performances; they often allow opponents to claim early leads, making their matches difficult. If they give Sibir the chance to dictate the game's pace early, they could find themselves trailing once again.
Notably, statistical records suggest Sibir historically dominates these matchups, winning five of the last six games against Admiral. Earlier this month, they faced off and produced thrilling moments, with Sibir edging out Admiral 4-3 after overtime.
With the stakes high, betting experts forecast multiple possible outcomes. Despite Sibir's struggles, bettors see value in placing wagers on them to win straight at odds of 2.55. Others anticipate Admiral walking away with at least one point if the game reaches overtime, particularly as they've shown strong form since the All-Star break.
For those considering alternative bets, the over/under on goals could prove enticing, with many analysts backing more than 4.5 total goals scored at odds of 1.82, owing to the leaked goals from Sibir’s defensive line and Admiral's attacking prowess. The matchup suggests both teams are capable of delivering high-scoring affairs if their forwards perform to capability.
Looking at potential lineups, Sibir is expected to focus their strategy around their best players, which includes Kostin, Alánov, Martynov, and Beck, anchoring their attack. Admiral is likely to showcase their depth with top performers like Shepelev, Shulak, and Soshnikov leading their offensive charge.
The puck drops on this pivotal matchup at 15:30 local time, and fans can watch the game live on various sports streaming platforms. With playoff spots on the line, both teams will surely bring fierce competition.