Annual showcase of top KHL talent at the 2023 All-Star Game

Rewritten Article:

The KHL All-Star Game is about to roll into St. Pete's very own "SKA Arena" for the second time in history! It's back for two action-packed days, December 9 and 10.

The Allure of the All-Star Game

This year's festivities are following the footsteps of the first All-Star showdown, held in 2009, at the freakin' legendary Red Square. The inaugural game had a unique "Russians" vs. "Legionnaires" format with hockey heavyweights like Alexei Yashin and Jaromir Jagr stepping up as team captains. The following season saw a shift in the team selection format and continued until 2017, when they debuted the four-team format: Kharlamov, Tarasov, Bobrov, and Chernyshev. The Bobrov Division squad is the current champ, having thrashed the Kharlamov Division team 7-6 in last year's final.

A Battle of Two 20-Minute Bouts

Each team participating in the tourney plays two games during the event. The first is a semifinal showdown, where the winner advances to the final or the third-place game, depending on the outcome. Each game consists of two 10-minute periods, and if there's a tie at the end, a shootout ensues, no overtime here, mate! They play in a thrilling 3-on-3 format, ensuring plenty of open ice and high-scoring games with more than a dozen goals not being uncommon.

Picking the Perfect Players

Team rosters are assembled using a method that's been around for a while now: the fans select a goalie, a defenseman, and two forwards, media bigwigs make their picks, and the league finalizes the lineup. Each team's roster features two goalies and nine skaters. A big addition this year is the inclusion of former Russian footballing legends on coaching staffs.

Bobrov Division: The House Team?

Bobrov Division Roster: Goalies – Serebryakov (SKA), Berdin (HC Sochi). Defensemen – Konyshkov (Torpedo), Nikishin (SKA), Roy (Vityaz). Forwards – Atanasov, Letunov (Torpedo), Gologbin, Poradin (Spartak), Alistrov (SKA), Polyakov (SKA-1946). Coaches – A. Zharmnov, A. Mostovoy.

Pavel Poradin, with three All-Star Game appearances under his belt, is the most seasoned player on this squad. Maxim Letunov, a Torpedo player, replaces an injured Ivan Morozov from Spartak and joins the lineup.

Tarasov Division: The Esteemed Vets

Tarasov Division Roster: Goalies – Kolosov (Dinamo M), Smith (Kunlun). Defensemen – Nesterov (CSKA), Mennell (Dinamo M), Gerun (Lokomotiv). Forwards – Gusev (Dinamo M), Pinchuk (Dinamo M), Likhachev (Lokomotiv), Aimurzin, Korostelev (Severstal), Mikhailov (Siberian Snipers). Coaches – A. Kudashov, R. Shirokov.

The most experienced players on this team are Nikita Gusev from Dinamo M, playing in his fifth All-Star Weekend, and CSKA's Nikita Nesterov attending his third event.

Kharlamov Division: The Underdog Contenders

Kharlamov Division Roster: Goalies – Pod'yapolsky (Lada), Alikin (Avtomobilist). Defensemen – Yakolev (Metallurg), Klock (Neftkhimik), Yudin (Ak Bars). Forwards – Der-Arguchintsyev, Shabanov (both Traktor), Radulov (Ak Bars), Gребенkin (Metallurg), Kolesnikov (Tolpar). Coaches – A. Razin, A. Arshavin.

The Kharlamov Division also suffers losses with Ak Bars forward Dmitry Yashkin unlikely to play in the regular season due to a severe injury. Alexander Radulov, an eight-time participant in the All-Star Game, leads the crew in experience.

Chernyshev Division: The Newbies

Chernyshev Division Roster: Goalies – Samonov (Salavat Yulaev), Krasotkin (Sibir). Defensemen – Lisovets (Admiral), Li (Amur), Sklyarenko (Barys). Forwards – Tkachev, Bushing (both Avangard), Gutik (Admiral), Prokhorkin (Sibir), Barber (Barys/Ak Bars), Chernyshev (MHK Dinamo M). Coaches – M. Kravets, D. Sychov.

The Chernyshev Division, with only Vladimir Tkachev and Nikolai Prokhorkin boasting previous All-Star Game experience, is the least experienced team.

Placing Your Bets: Who'll Take the Prize?

As of now, Liga Stavok bookmakers have no clear favorites, giving each team an equal shot at the title. The current betting odds are: the odds for a team from any division to win the tournament are set at 3.8. The opposite bet, "Tournament Winner – No," can be taken at a measly 1.22.

Who'll Win the 2023 KHL All-Star Game?

Last two seasons have seen the Bobrov Division team take home the trophy, and this year looks primed for another hat trick. Nikita Serebryakov, the solid SKA goalie, is in fine form, and Alexander Nikishin, arguably the league's top defenseman, has home-ice advantage. The Dynamo duo of Poryadin and Gologobin have been on a tear lately, so expect more magic from these two. The other teams might not stack up on paper, making the Bobrov Division the obvious pick to claim the championship. Our prediction: Bobrov Division team to win the tournament at odds of 3.8.

Bobrov Division: The Winner's Bet

Back The Champs 3.8 Join Us on Telegram to Discuss Picks & Insights

The Bobrov Division team, owing to their recent form and the home advantage, is poised to win the KHL All-Star Game for a third consecutive year.
Nikita Serebryakov, the SKA goalie in the Bobrov Division, is currently in fine form, making him a key player for their potential victory.
Alexander Nikishin, a top defenseman in the league, provides the Bobrov Division with a significant advantage due to the home-ice advantage.
Dynamo duo Poryadin and Gologobin have been performing exceptionally well lately, adding more potential for the Bobrov Division to win the tournament with their magic on the ice.