KHL: Gagarin Cup final: Avangard Omsk v CSKA Moscow betting preview & tips

Avangard Omsk v CSKA Moscow

Face off 5.30pm Wednesday

CSKA Moscow lead the Gagarin Cup final 2-0 after winning the opening two matches at home, and they are worth backing to extend their advantage as the seven-game series moves to Omsk.

Red Army have won their last seven meetings with Avangard and six of those were sealed in regulation time so the odds-against for a CSKA victory within 60 minutes looks the way to go.

The Muscovites are flattered by the 3-0 scoreline in the most recent match. It was scoreless until the 54th minute when Konstantin Okulov broke the deadlock with his sixth goal of the playoffs.

CSKA then found the empty net twice after the Hawks swapped their goaltender for an extra attacker in the closing moments.

But the Avangard attack has been hopelessly outmatched by CSKA’s solid defence, and Red Army were happy to keep things tight and wait for opportunities on the break.

It’s telling that the only two goals Avangard have scored in the series have come on the powerplay.

Conversely, all eight CSKA goals have been scored with the sides at even-strength or into the empty net.

Avangard are making their first appearance in the finals since they were defeated in the decisive game seven by Dynamo Moscow in 2012.

They deservedly advanced from the Eastern Conference but had a bruising conference final against Ufa which may have taken its toll.

CSKA, too, are looking for their first Gagarin Cup and they can go to the brink with a win today.

Recommendation
CSKA Moscow
1pt 13-10 Betway, Paddy Power

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