Avtomobilist v Barys Nur-Sultan Ice hockey match betting preview and free tip

Ice hockey tips, best bets and predictions for Avtomobilist v Barys Nur-Sultan in the KHL.

Where to watch

Bookmaker streaming sites, 2pm Thursday

Best bet

60-minute draw
1pt 29-10 bet365

Match preview

Just three points separate KHL Eastern Conference sides Avtomobilist and Barys and an entertaining tilt can be expected when the teams meet in Ekaterinburg.

Avto endured a miserable October, winning just three of their 11 games.

They put that form behind them this month, though, taking maximum points in five of their seven matches including a 2-1 defeat of champions CSKA Moscow on Sunday.

They suffered their first regulation-time defeat last time out, 4-3 against Torpedo, but they were 2-0 down after eight minutes and always on the back foot.

Kazakh side Barys are ahead of Avto in the table, but haven't won a match inside 60 minutes in their last 16 outings. They did record an overtime success against today's opponents in Nur-Sultan earlier this month, though.

The KHL's second-highest all-time goalscorer Nigel Dawes looks set to be a key man.

The Canadian born Hat-Trick King spent so long with Barys that he now holds Kazakh citizenship and plays for the national side, but is in his second season with Avto.

Dawes has been in decent nick for the Ekaterinburg men recently, with two goals and two assists in his last five games, and has scored in his last three clashes against his former club.

Both teams have played plenty of overtime recently and an extra period may be needed again.

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