Ilnar Misbakhov: «It was an important game»
24.09.2026
Reaktor Head Coach Ilnar Misbakhov speaks with the media after a following 3–2 overtime win over JHC Spartak MHA.
– It was an important game. The guys were mentally prepared for it, and we focused heavily on that. They understood that since we had lost our previous home game, we needed a win. They came out fired up and focused. They played well and created a lot of chances. However, I have to note that we often struggle to finish; we missed a great many opportunities. We scored the opening goal and added a nice second one in the second period. But after taking a 2–0 lead, even though I had specifically told them to play for the result – one of our defensemen rushed forward trying to score. A counterattack followed, and they scored. That gave the opponent a boost. Then they scored again. Thank goodness we had skilled players like Gizyatov and Stolyarov step up; Stolyarov decided the game.– There were a lot of penalties for both teams today. Was that a discipline issue, or just the emotions of junior hockey?
– Back home, when we had so many penalties, it was a discipline issue. Today, we cut that down – or at least tried to. Well, it is junior hockey; tempers flare and emotions run high regardless. Still, we had fewer penalties today, which is a good sign.
– Are you happy with the team today, or is there still work to be done?
– There is always work to be done. But we won, which is great. So, yes, we are happy.
