Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Spartak» 2/20/2026
20.02.2026
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 2–0 win over Spartak.
– Two fast teams that try to play a lot of offense played today against each other. We had a tough time in the first period. Spartak moved pretty well, won a lot of puck battles pucks, created a lot of chances, and made more shots. At the start of the second period, perhaps the power play helped us a bit. We played well on the power play; we didn't actually score, but the puck was moving well, and we spent almost the entire two minutes in the offensive zone. That probably gave our team energy; we regained the initiative and started playing better. We scored in the first period, thankfully, successfully. We also played well in the third period, smartly, managed to score, and brought it to victory, albeit not without some incidents at the end. Phil, in addition to the shutout, probably made some other super saves.– Almost each line had changes, except one. Is this a reason for two young players (Sokolov and Krivolapov) to be in the roster?
– We did it because we had a losing streak and haven't been scoring much. We're trying to find better lineups. Our first line has a better scoring record, so there's no point in changing it. They score in every game, even in the last game against Lokomotiv, but that goal just wasn't counted. So we're looking for lineups that work. Thankfully, the lineup where Bulat scored two goals worked today, even though he scored the second one on a different lineup, coming on after a penalty.
As for the young guys, Sevastyan showed off well in the last game against Lokomotiv; we gave him a chance to play right from the start. He's playing well, normally, and is gaining experience and skill. Kolya was named the thirteenth forward because we needed him as a young limited player.
– The opponent ahead is probably a complete opposite to this one. What do we need to do to beat this team?
– We played against them in the last two games and managed to beat them. I think we'll try to find some good options again. We need to use our strengths and improve our scoring skills.
Spartak Acting Head Coach Alexander Barkov:
– It was a completely even game, and the only question was how to take advantage of our scoring chances. Our opponents managed to punish us for two of our mistakes. We had plenty of chances, but somehow the puck just wouldn't go in. A breakaway, a two-on-one, and, for example, in the final minutes, when we were shorthanded, the puck was bouncing around the goal line. Basically, it didn't go in, hence the result.
– Your team was very aggressive throughout almost the entire first period, attacking Neftekhimik tightly in their zone. Was that the game plan?
– Of course. Especially early in the game, because the home team usually wants to play that way. The goal is to keep the opponent from getting going.
– Regarding Ivan Morozov. He played well throughout the game, but what about the penalty that he took in the third period?
– Yes, his penalty was unjustified, of course. Basically, he was wrong.
