Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Salavat Yulaev» 01/20/2023

Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Salavat Yulaev» 01/20/2023

Oleg Leontyev, the head coach of HC Neftekhimik:

– Congratulation to the guys on a victory! Our team played well today. We especially enjoyed the beginning when we scored quick goals. Whenever you have a comfortable lead, you play in a different way, with more creativity. Also, we played well defensively. The guys blocked shots and Sasha Sudnitsin made big saves and kept us in the game. Congratulations to all the fans who supported us! The playoff battle continues.

– Can we say that it was the best game of the season?

– The time will show. The best game is the one that gets us to the playoffs.

– It seemed that after 5–0 the team slowed down. Did you want to save the energy for the next game?

– No, I did not. There is no difference for us, if we speak about goal advantage. The main thing is to get a win. We will enjoy this victory for 10 minutes and after that prepare for the next game.

– You did a great job in improving young players. For example Belozyorov, Kizimov... What is your secret?

– We trust them more. They know it and try do their best. These guys have a great talent. I think they have a good future. We believe in them. That is why they are in the roster.

– Maxim Goncharov played his first game after being injured. What is his condition?

– After a break, it is always difficult to get into game rythm. The team won, and Maxim played confidently enough.

– Were you aware that Neftekhimik could not beat Salavat Yulaev for eight games in a row?

– I am not crazy about stats. I am preparing for every game that will take place over the next few days. We have our own methods and secrets of preparation.

Viktor Kozlov, the head coach of HC Salavat Yulaev:

– The statis of the first period made the difference in this game. The opposing team blocked 13 shots, and we blocked 3. We made 4 hit, Neftekhimik 17. That is the whole difference. They scored quick goals and played well defensively. The difference between «Play hockey» and «Win hockey game» is in these stats of the first period. The opponent was better.