Nikita Khlystov: «The main thing is not to give up»
18.09.2026
Neftekhimik defenseman Nikita Khlystov speaks with the media after a following 0–2 against Salavat Yulaev.
– It was a tough game. We came out emotionally charged. Maybe we burned out a little, but that is no excuse. Overall, things just did not go our way from the very first shifts. The opposition had the initiative. But it is not the end of the world – that is hockey. The main thing is not to give up and to learn the right lessons.
– The opponent seemed physically fresher.
– Not really. It was more that they had more puck possession. You have to win the puck back, which takes a lot of energy, and then it feels like there’s little left for offense. We dropped back too deep and spent too much time defending, so we lacked the energy for attacking surges.
– How can you avoid taking so many penalties in the upcoming games?
– Discipline, first and foremost. You have to keep your emotions in check, whether the situation calls for it or not. There’s no point getting upset over a referee’s call–it can’t be reversed. You have to accept it and not let your emotions spill over in the wrong direction.
