Buran Voronezh vs Khimik Voskresensk on 29 January
As the VHL season intensifies, the clash between Buran Voronezh and Khimik Voskresensk on January 29 promises to be a highly charged encounter. With both teams vying for crucial points in the middle of the standings, the result will have significant implications for their playoff hopes. The match will take place at the Arena of Buran, Voronezh, and with a near-packed crowd expected, this one could be an electrifying spectacle. The ice will surely crackle with energy as both sides battle not only for victory but for momentum going into the latter part of the season. The weather will be typical for late January in Russia, but the controlled indoor environment of the rink ensures the action will be determined purely by the players’ will and skill.
Buran Voronezh: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Buran Voronezh has shown mixed form over their last five games, winning two, losing two, and securing one overtime victory. Their record speaks to a team that is still searching for consistency, but their potential is undeniable when they hit their stride. Their tactical setup is defined by aggressive forechecking and a highly physical brand of hockey. Buran excels at using their size and speed to disrupt opposing breakouts, forcing turnovers in the neutral zone and capitalizing on the chaos they create. In the attacking zone, they rely on heavy shots from the point, utilizing their defensemen to generate offense through quick puck movement. This approach is evidenced by their impressive shots on goal average of 33.5 per game, ranking among the top in the VHL.
One of the key areas where Buran has struggled this season has been their power play. At just 15.7%, they sit near the bottom of the league in this category. This inefficiency in converting man-advantage situations could prove costly in a game as tight as this one. On the penalty kill, however, they are much more formidable, operating at 82%, a solid figure that reflects their overall defensive mentality.
Key players to watch include captain and leading scorer, Alexey Lapin, who is the engine of the offense, and goaltender Mikhail Zhilkin, whose .914 save percentage has kept them competitive despite occasional lapses in team defense. However, the team will be missing the services of defenseman Igor Kharitonov, who is sidelined due to injury, leaving a gap on the blue line that could affect their ability to contain Khimik’s top forwards.
Khimik Voskresensk: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Khimik Voskresensk comes into this matchup having been in better form, with three wins and two losses in their last five games. Their style of play is built around puck possession and structured defensive play. Khimik’s ability to control the tempo through their passing game allows them to maintain possession in the offensive zone for long periods, creating scoring chances through sustained pressure. Their power play, which operates at 18.3%, is a significant weapon, and they have the ability to break down defenses with quick puck movement and smart shooting from their forwards. With 29.2 shots on goal per game, they are slightly less prolific than Buran but make up for it with more calculated offensive zones.
One area where Khimik has excelled recently is in faceoff efficiency, where they are among the top 5 teams in the VHL, winning 53% of their draws. This has allowed them to establish puck control in critical areas, especially in the offensive zone and on special teams. Defensively, Khimik has struggled at times this season, conceding 3.1 goals per game, a figure that leaves them vulnerable in high-scoring games. Their penalty kill sits at 79.4%, which, while decent, could be an area that Buran will try to exploit, given the latter’s heavy shot output.
Star forward Dmitry Zharkov has been in excellent form lately, tallying points in four of his last five games. His chemistry with linemates Roman Rudenko and Artem Koltsov will be critical, as this trio has been the driving force behind Khimik’s attack. Goaltender Sergey Kuznetsov, who has posted a .918 save percentage, will need to be at his best, especially with the defensive lapses that occasionally plague the team.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The historical head-to-head between these two teams has been relatively balanced in recent seasons, with Buran and Khimik each claiming victories in their respective home arenas. In their most recent meeting earlier this season, Khimik emerged victorious with a 4-2 win, using a disciplined defensive structure and taking advantage of Buran’s power play inefficiency. However, Buran has typically been stronger at home, and with the crowd behind them, they will be determined to avenge that defeat.
Looking further back, the games between these two have often been low-scoring, defensive affairs, with both teams relying on their goaltenders to bail them out in tight moments. This psychological edge in close encounters could be crucial, especially as both teams know the importance of securing points for their playoff aspirations.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
In this clash, several key duels could determine the outcome:
- Lapin vs Kuznetsov: The battle between Buran’s leading scorer and Khimik’s top netminder will be critical. Lapin’s ability to break through the defense and get quality shots on Kuznetsov will be a determining factor. Kuznetsov has been stellar recently, but Lapin’s sharp shooting and ability to create chances from nothing will put him to the test.
- Zharkov vs Buran’s defense: Zharkov’s offensive contributions will be crucial for Khimik. His speed and vision create constant threats, but Buran’s defensive core, including the physicality of players like Pavel Sokolov and Sergey Makarov, will need to keep him contained.
- Special teams: With both teams having distinct strengths on the power play and penalty kill, the performance of each team’s special teams could swing the result. Buran’s struggles with their power play will face a stern test against Khimik’s disciplined penalty kill, while Khimik will need to make the most of their man-advantage situations.
Match Scenario and Prediction
This matchup will likely unfold as a tight, defensive contest with plenty of physicality. Buran will try to impose their will with an aggressive forecheck, while Khimik will focus on controlling possession and capitalizing on their power play opportunities. The team that can execute their game plan more effectively will have the edge.
Given Buran’s struggles on the power play and the absence of Kharitonov, I see Khimik having a slight advantage in this one. The visitors will likely win the special teams battle, while their more structured defensive game should keep Buran’s offensive threats in check. Expect a 3-2 win for Khimik in regulation, with their special teams and goaltending proving decisive.
Final Thoughts
This game will be a litmus test for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Can Buran overcome their special teams woes and impose their physicality on Khimik, or will the visitors’ discipline and goaltending prove too strong? This match will answer the question: Can Buran find the consistency they need, or will Khimik’s tactical superiority see them edge closer to a top playoff spot?
