Igor Grishin: «Our main problem is the start of the game»
21.08.2025
Neftekhimik head coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 3–6 loss against Avangard.
– Our main problem is the start of the game. Both in the game against Ak Bars and today's, we conceded at the start of the game. Because of this, our first period is crumpled. I think this is also due to the fact that Avangard is playing for the second day in a row. The opponent, unlike us, is in good shape. In the second period, we pulled ourselves together and took the initiative. It seems to me that before the 5–on–3 hockey, we had the game advantage. But the unfortunate special unit had a negative impact on us, we immediately conceding a goal after that. The third twenty minutes were equal, with dangerous moments on both sides of the ice. Only the opponent managed to capitalize on their chances, and we did not.– There were a lot of fights and penalties in the second half of the game. Do you think any team benefited from this?
– This is an element of hockey. Both we and the opponent are determined to fight, to win. No one wants to give in, everyone is protecting their goalies. I think it's normal and I do not think it affected the game.
– Avangard has a lot of line changes. How often will you change players?
– We have a lot of players who didn't play today. At this tournament, we plan to give everyone about an equal number of games, to see what everyone is capable of. Of course, you'll see a lot of changes tomorrow.
– Neftekhimik recently signed a contract with Yurtaikin. Will he take part in the upcoming games?
– Yurtaikin is with the team. He arrived with us and has already started training. The only thing is that for some reason he has not trained for five days, which is why he hasn't gotten into shape yet. I think he will be involved in the third game.
