Ivan Kovalyov: «It is great that we won and got two points»
30.01.2024
Neftekhimik defenseman Ivan Kovalyov speaks with the media after a following 4–3 overtime win against Lada.
– It was a hard–battled game, like a playoffs one. It is great that we won and got two points.– How unexpected it was for you personally, as for defenseman, that in the last game Lada played more defensively and today they play offensive hockey?
– I do not agree, the day before yesterday the guests played more aggressively, they were faster. Today, from the second period, we had a different game task and we attacked more. They made mistakes, we had many chances. There were many chances in that game as well, but today we took advantage of goal–scoring we had.
– Since October, our team players have been saying that every game is like the playoffs one. Do not you get tired of trying to do you best game after game after game?
– I think, on the contrary, it motivates us more, we have our focus on it. The cost of a mistake is higher than for teams that are made playoffs.
– How important is today's win mentally? If Lada had won two games in Nizhnekamsk, it would have been very difficult.
– Each game is a new game. So I do not think so.
– How would you rate the fans' support?
– We have a great support here. This is our extra–player. We play for our fans.
