Oleg Leontyev: «We played great and won an important game»

Neftekhimik Head Coach Oleg Leontyev speaks with the media after a following 2–1 overtime win against Metallurg Mg.

– It was a very nervous game. At the beginning, the opponent stormed our zone. Nevertheless, we did a good job playing defensively. We played great and won an important game. Artem Zagidullin played well. Unfortunately, he got an injury. I do not know for how long he is not able to play.

We blocked a lot of shots. The guys played in a right way. We did not allow the opponent to take advantage of power play. Congratulations to all the fans who supported us and the entire team on this victory.

– In yesterday's game your team outshot Lada. Today, Metallurg outshot your team. Is it connected with physical state after playing two game in a row?

– No, just another one opponent.

– Shafigullin was not in the lineup...

– We are not changing the winning lineup.

– It seemed that in the third period Metallurg looked better than our team. Is the team tired?

– There was no intention keep the score on the scoreboard. If you lose, you try to tie the game up. Moreover, the opponent had one day off more than we had.

– What about Zagidulin’s injury?

– Not yet. Maybe muscles. It is difficult to say how many days it will take.

Andrei Razin, head coach of HC Metallurg Mg:

– We lost in desire to win. It is clear that every game is like a playoff one for the opponent. The guys are really ready to do their best in order to win, we have a slightly different situation. We need to have additional motivation. Neftekhimik played well; they blocked a lot of shots. Both goaltender did a great job. All that remains is to congratulate on this victory. It will be a lesson for us.