Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Admiral» 1/8/2026
08.01.2026
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 3–2 shootout win over Admiral.
– We came into the game with a good mood and focus. The guys did everything they could to win: they played aggressively and created a lot of goal–scoring chances. Again, our scoring goal–scoring chances let us down. We had a lot of chances, so we could have won in regulation time. The opponent had dangerous counterattacks, but Ozolin played well, and luck was on our side in some situations. We continued to stick to our guns and were able to win in the shootout.– The first period was played cautiously, but the second, on the contrary, was played without a neutral zone, with attacks on both sides of the ice. Why?
– The opponent played a closed game. We were better shot–making, so I wouldn't say we were closed. I'll say the visitors played selflessly and blocked a lot of shots. And in the second period, when we opened the scoring, Admiral started to open up. We wanted to extend our lead, and the opponents wanted to fight back.
– So it wasn't related to the Admiral goalie's injury early in the second period?
– I'd like to wish him good health. But I don't think it affected the overall performance. We were attacking a lot before that. Again, the game really opened up after we scored."
– There was a stretch in the third period when your team kept the opponent in the zone for two minutes, but there were no shots on goal. Meanwhile, Admiral tried to shoot on every attack...
– We're working on our goal-oriented approach. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way. That means the opponent was setting up a smart defense, closing down dangerous areas. And our guys were trying to find a better shooting position. But remember our first goal, when the puck was scored from a normal position. That happens in hockey, too.
Admiral Head Coach Oleg Bratash:
– I liked the players' performance in today's game better than the previous one. The guys executed the coach's task better, so I think they're on the right track. That's probably what allowed us to earn one point.
