Igor Grishin: «We played well in the second period»
30.08.2025
Neftekhimik head coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 3–5 loss against Ak Bars.
– It is a shame that we lost again. We played well, we created a lot of goal–scoring chances. We played well in the second period, scored good goals. Unfortunately, we create chances, but we pass the initiative to opposing team. It would seem that the player is in a 100% scoring position, but for some reason he starts looking for a partner to pass to. In this regard, the opponent was more aggressive than us. I think with time the guys will understand that this cannot be done.– Nefftekhimik scored two power plays. How satisfied are you with the way the special teams played?
– Of course we are. Scoring two power plays out of five is very good. On the other hand, the pk did not work out quite well. The first goal against us was scored after our player who was sent off came out. We need to work on this component more. It is good that the majority pleased us.
– Was today's game in terms of tactical design, in our opinion, the best in the preseason?
– I think so. We are actively working on this, trying to transfer it from the training process to the game. I believe that over time we will see a better quality of play.
– The team played with two defenseman on the powerplay. Quite an unusual lineup, because usually one defense player is released for a game in unequal compositions. Are you going to play like this this season?
– In fact, in hockey they do not always play with only one defender. Usually, two defense players go out in the second brigade. We have attacking defenders who can be useful in the majority. Khafizullin goes out in the first brigade, and Serikov and Profaka in the second. Let's see how it goes. We are currently thinking about how to make it better.
