Alexander Dergachyov: «We gained some good experience»
01.04.2026
Neftekhimik forward Alexander Dergachyov speaks with the media after a following 3–4 overtime loss against Avangard.
– It was a good series. The games were always close, except for Game number 4. It wasn't clear until the end who would win each game. We gained some good experience. I think everyone on the team played above their abilities. You could see how everyone changed during the playoffs – they matured and became stronger. The team grew up, as well as individuals. It was nice to be in this atmosphere, on this team, and fight side by side with these guys.– Can you briefly summarize the season?
– Neftekhimik has been significantly transformed this season, showing a team with character and causing a lot of problems for many clubs in the league.
– What are the plans for next season, and what experience has the team gained?
– It's probably too early to say anything about next season. The team went through the regular season smoothly, without any major problems. We played consistently and won. Most importantly, there were no long losing streaks. There was a core of our team that had been playing together for years, and they always do their job. We ended up having a decent regular season and playoffs. I think we could have hoped for a little more – at least a continuation of the series, but it is what it is.
– Today, at the end of the third period, Neftekhimik controlled the puck and didn't let Avangard get to the net. What actually happened?
– Overall, everything was under control, but a series of absurd circumstances occurred: a loss of a stick, and, as far as I understand, Sharipzyanov's stick also broke during a shot. Some rather illogical incidents led to the goal. I haven't rewatched the entire moment myself, but it felt like the opponent got lucky somewhere – a lucky rebound, and ultimately, the goal was conceded.
– What was the mood like before overtime? Goals like that can be psychologically devastating. What did you talk about?
– There are no secrets. There wasn't a feeling that everything was lost. It's often the case in the playoffs: the tougher it is, the better for the team. Everyone reacted in a right way, we knew that there was no step back. The penalty that I took ruined the game.
– About the penalty: was it your mistake or a coincidence?
– I think we need to get the puck back into play faster – that's my opinion. Everything was slow, and in the end, I had some uncontrolled stickplay and the penalty, which led to the goal. So I can say that I'm to blame for the conceded goal and the loss.
– Regarding Ozolin: was his lack of playoff experience a factor of today's loss?
– No, that was not the case. Yaroslav proved throughout the season that he's a high–level goaltender. He came on during a tough period, when we were facing strong opponents and Fil (Filipp Dolganov) was injured, and Yaroslav played well. He always prepares; he knows his stuff. From the outside, it might seem like he lacks experience, but within the team, there was no such feeling – everyone knows he's a strong goaltender.
– As captain, how would you rate the team?
– I'm proud of both the team and the individual players. Outside the locker room, no one knows who played with what injuries. They're truly heroes. I'm not talking about bruises or strains – we've had some serious injuries to our leaders, and they came out to play on painkillers, sacrificing themselves for the team. That means a lot – both about the team and about the people who are willing to help the team at any cost.
