This explanation won't be long as most is obvious from the table. There's a big difference in form and quality, and such a big odds can only be explained with home advantage of Lada and tradition in last few seasons.

I'll start with Lada, team that was once a big name of Russian hockey, but it was long ago. They went through big crisis, and now they have to fight for Play-off place. Before the break they were one of the teams in worst form, having won only two of their last 13 games, avoiding loss in regular time in only two more games. In last three games before break they had three straight loses with goal difference 7:13 and i don't think that something changed big during the break. Same happend already after the first break in November, they were in bad form before it, and when the league continue (after two weeks) they continued with bad performances.

It's even worst for them as they will today have to oppose one of the best teams in league and team which was in the best form before thee break - SKA St. Petersburg. They had four wins in last four games before break (one in OT). Moreover, they are 2nd best away team, just behind currently untouchable Ufa, in away games they are W11-D1-L5 47:38. Lada isn't as efficient, neither they have as good defense (in fact they have 4th worst defense in the league with 101 goals conceded, that's 2.97 avg per match).

Only thing that goes against this pick is tradition, in last four years, Lada at home managed W5-D1-L1 against SKA, but when we look only last few games, Lada didn't managed to win in last six mutual meetings, they got beaten four times in regular time, once in OT, and only once they managed to keep draw during both regular time and OT. Their only meeting this season:

2007-09-09 SKA St.Peterburg 5-2 Lada

Expected score: 2:4

Pick : SKA
Odds : 1.88
Stake : 7 / 10
Bookmaker : Pinnacle
Date : 2007-12-19
Match Result :
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://scythe.blogabet.com/

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