Press Conference «Avangard – Neftekhimik» 3/24/2026
24.03.2026
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 2–4 loss against Avangard.
– It's hard to evaluate this game; our team played well and created plenty of goal–scoring chances. Unfortunately, we lost. Avangard's second goal? It was our fault, a classic example of playing shorthanded. Our communication wasn't working, and we were immediately punished for it.
The first period started with Avangard forecheck, and we struggled to counterattack with the advantage at times. In the second period, they couldn't close down our defensemen in time; our speedy forwards were skating away. A successful power play? We just need to shoot; there are no goals without shots. In the first goal, Dergachyov skated in front of Serebryakov; in the second, the goaltender was probably expecting a slightly different shot. We need to shoot; if we can't do it while on the power play, what's the point of it?
Not enough blocked shots? I don't think anyone was feeling sorry for themselves. The opponent's shots simply did not hit our players. Everyone plays selflessly, we just couldn't keep up.
The first period started with Avangard forecheck, and we struggled to counterattack with the advantage at times. In the second period, they couldn't close down our defensemen in time; our speedy forwards were skating away. A successful power play? We just need to shoot; there are no goals without shots. In the first goal, Dergachyov skated in front of Serebryakov; in the second, the goaltender was probably expecting a slightly different shot. We need to shoot; if we can't do it while on the power play, what's the point of it?
Not enough blocked shots? I don't think anyone was feeling sorry for themselves. The opponent's shots simply did not hit our players. Everyone plays selflessly, we just couldn't keep up.
