Damir Zhafyarov: «It's a pleasure to be here»
24.03.2026
Neftekhimik forward Damir Zhafyarov speaks with the media after a following 2–4 loss against Avangard.
– It's a pleasure to be here. It was a hard–battled game. I think we put up a good fight against our opponents and played well throughout the whole game. They're a good and balanced team, they play well in all areas of the ice, and it's quite difficult to play against them; they play until the very end. We actually had our chances to take the lead. Unfortunately, it didn't work out, but the first game is a bit nerve–wracking, I think for everyone. So, I hope it will get easier.– The first four goals were scored on the power play. Is this typical for the playoffs?
– It depends: sometimes all the goals are scored on the power play, sometimes only at even strength. So, it doesn't matter how you score. We're always attacking, and even on the pp or druing pk, we had some small chances today. So, basically, the result depends on all the components here: the power play, the penalty kill, and even-strength play.
– Have you noticed that compared to the regular season, you've stopped being able to break out of the zone with an advantage?
– I think everyone's analyzing each other tactics; the games are different, including the moments. Here, they probably played more tightly in some areas, and we also tried to play this way. You can't always be creative because it's the playoffs – every mistake can determine the outcome of the game. In some areas, I think the guys tried to play simpler, including us. You need to make as few mistakes as possible, and the neutral zone is a very important area.
– Neftekhimik's players don't have much experience, but you do. Did you talk to the guys who don't have it? For example, Nikita Khoruzhev.
– I wouldn't say I'm particularly experienced. We have Dinar Khafizullin and Alexander Dergachyov, but our coaching staff, not only us experienced guys but also the young players, has been giving everyone advice over the last week on how to play and calm down. Perhaps, I hope, it will work in our favor that the guys are just coming out and playing their first playoff games, and perhaps there's less undue stress. So we'll try to play to our strengths and show our best in the upcoming matches.
