Igor Grishin: «The guys are motivated»
15.03.2026
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media before the road trip.
– Neftekhimik has secured its playoff spot ahead of schedule. We have three road games. What is your task for the team?
– The guys are motivated by the fact that this road trip is very important for us in terms of preparing for the playoffs. We need to get into the playoff mode. So, we are preparing for these games seriously, and hopefully, we will play good hockey.
– Do you pay attention to the standings? Do you have any idea of your potential opponents i nthe first round?
– We are just looking to see who finishes in eighth place. We are just curious about who our opponents will be. We do not really care. After all, all the teams are strong, especially the ones at the top of the standings. So, we do not have much of a choice.
– Is everyone safe and sound?
– With the exception of Vladislav Barulin, who's injured, everyone's si going to be on the road trip. Andrei Belozyorov is in the lineup, Dinar Khafizullin is already training with the team at full strength. I hope he will play on this trip. So, we are heading to these games with a good squad.
– The guys are motivated by the fact that this road trip is very important for us in terms of preparing for the playoffs. We need to get into the playoff mode. So, we are preparing for these games seriously, and hopefully, we will play good hockey.
– Do you pay attention to the standings? Do you have any idea of your potential opponents i nthe first round?
– We are just looking to see who finishes in eighth place. We are just curious about who our opponents will be. We do not really care. After all, all the teams are strong, especially the ones at the top of the standings. So, we do not have much of a choice.
– Is everyone safe and sound?
– With the exception of Vladislav Barulin, who's injured, everyone's si going to be on the road trip. Andrei Belozyorov is in the lineup, Dinar Khafizullin is already training with the team at full strength. I hope he will play on this trip. So, we are heading to these games with a good squad.
