[Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)] KHL Analysis Avtomobilist @ Metallurg Mg Preview - BeaverStats

This is an KHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Avtomobilist @ Metallurg Mg (Oct 18, 2026 (Sun)).

*Written before starting goalies and lineups were confirmed! They can change right before puck drop, so check the link below for the latest data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Avtomobilist @ Metallurg Mg

Avtomobilist projected starting goalie: Evgeny Alikin @ Metallurg Mg projected starting goalie: Alexander S. Smolin

Avtomobilist hold the edge in shot quality, but Metallurg Mg own the results, so this game may be decided in goal.

Avtomobilist's 5v5 xG% is 55.2 against 50.7 for Metallurg Mg, a 4.5-point gap, both from this season (15 and 17 games). The records say the opposite. Avtomobilist are 6-7-2 with a 37-40 goal difference (24-24 at 5v5). Metallurg Mg are 13-3-1, 54-31 overall and 31-17 at 5v5.

Neither starter is confirmed. Alikin has a .916 SV% and -5.7 GSAx in 22 road games over two seasons, 8-12 as a starter. This year: .922, -2.6 GSAx, 5-5. Smolin has a .903 SV% and +0.3 GSAx in 22 home games, 14-5, but this season is .938 with +11.8 GSAx and a 9-2 record. Over the last five, Alikin is -0.0 GSAx and Smolin +2.4.

Avtomobilist have lost two straight, at Omsk 2-4 and at Astana 1-4. Metallurg Mg have won four in a row, most recently 3-1 at Minsk.

If goalies change: Galkin has a .926 SV% and +2.3 GSAx in five starts this season, with +5.9 GSAx on the road. Zavragin has a .935 SV% and +1.5 GSAx in six games, +1.6 at home.

In summary, Avtomobilist lead in shot quality while Metallurg Mg lead in results and goaltending. Whether Avtomobilist can turn their xG edge into goals, and who actually starts, is the key.