Ilya Khokhlov: «The opponent took advantage of our mistakes»

Neftekhimik defenseman Ilya Khokhlov speaks with the media after a following 3–5 loss against Severstal.

– It is hard to find any words; we completely lost the first period. The opponent took advantage of our mistakes. Then we talked in the locker room, there was time to make the thing right. Unfortunately, we did not manage to do it. I think everyone needs to think, analyze and prepare for the next home games.

– The next game is against CSKA, two-time KHL Gagarin Cup Champion. How do you feel before the game?

– We need to analyze the game. Yeah, the next opponent is CSKA, I think we need to be ready for the game and prove that we can play good hockey and win. This will give us confidence and everything will good.

– In the first period, the fast-paced game by Severstal led to plenty giveaways. Were you not ready for this tempo or were you in a hurry somewhere?

– We prepared for the game and watched a video; the coaching staff warned us that an opposing team is young. We need to think, analyze and be ready for the next game.

– How do our goalies feel?

– Same as we feel. What is with our goalies? We are one team; we are all on the same boat. We definitely not happy. Anyway, we should move on CSKA also have a bad start. We need to win this game.

– The experience of a rough start of the last season can be useful. Do you have this kind of experience?

– We need to live here and now. It does not matter what happened before. We need to feel the victorious emotions and then everything will be fine. I would like to apologize to the fans, we promise that we will get ready and show good hockey.