Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Salavat Yulaev» 11/23/2025
23.11.2025
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 1–3 loss against Salavat Yulaev.
– It turned out to be practically three identical games against Salavat Yulaev. In all the games, small details played a key role: sometimes a little luck, sometimes a more successful shot.– Do not you think the key part of the game was the goal we conceded on the power play?
– I think the key moment of the game was the first shift in the third period. We conceded a goal then, and then another one went in our net. Basically, something went wrong in the final period.
– Did you focus on your opponent's tight schedule?
– Everyone has the same conditions. We play games practically every other day. I think our opponent got emotionally charged up by scoring a goal early in the third period. In our case, it is the opposite – two quick goals we allowed broke us down psychologically. We recovered towards the end, but then our opponent started playing to hold on.
– How would you rate Nikita Artamonov's game?
– He played well today, playing the way we expect him to. The only thing is, he is not connecting with his teammates yet. We need to find a combination where he can reach his full potential. Of course, that will take time.
– Salavat Yulaev Head Coach Viktor Kozlov:
– I think we played a good game. Except for the stretch when we had a five–minute power play. Then we went into a penalty kill and squandered the man advantage. I am glad the guys fought together in a tough situation. Overall, I think it was a good team win, earned through sheer determination. I would like to especially thank our fans. They were heard, and they instilled a lot of excitement in our guys.
– Today, the defense had 13 shots on goal. Were the players particularly motivated?
– That's just the nature of the ice. Moreover, our opponents play tight down low. So, we tried to play the puck up high.
