Igor Grishin: «We need to improve technical component»
18.08.2025
Neftekhimik head coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 5–2 win over Izhstal.
– For a number of hockey players, it was their first game of the preseason, and for some, it was their first game in Neftekhimik jersey. If we talk about the game, then, as in the previous meeting with Ak Bars, there were a lot of technical mistakes. This is a normal situation for the summer. We need to play three or four games in such a competitive mode in order to perform all your technical elements correctly.
Yes, today, as I already noted, there were a lot of technical mistakes. That is why the first two periods were crumpled. Then we had a powerplay and scored good goals. The skill of the guys made a difference. We brought the game to victory.
According to the plan, everything seems to be going well for us. The guys are trying to do what we ask. Tactically, everything is working out more or less. We need to improve technical component and in the physical component.
– The team had 3 defensemen pairs…
– Firstly, we wanted to give the defensive players a functional load so that they would act more intensively. We played four lines without a thirteenth forward, i.e. we had the NHL format: 18 field players and 2 goaltenders. We tried this option. It is quite possible that we will use this format with defenders in the championship. If we distribute forces normally, then playing in three pairs is quite normal. Playing in three pairs In addition, we played only 12 forwards. We will probably practice this during the season as well.
– The day after tomorrow the team goes to a tournament in Omsk. Will you take all the players to these games?
– Yes, we are taking almost all the guys: 27 field players and three goaltenders. The mood is working one. There will be serious opponents in the Omsk tournament. We will get into shape through this tournament, we plan to give all the hockey players an equal chance to play. The task is to approach the championship in good shape.
