Press Conference «CSKA – Neftekhimik» 10/18/2026
18.10.2026
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 1–4 loss against CSKA.
– Compared to CSKA, we looked undersized and lacked aggression. We are a team that does not shy away from physical play – we emphasize that it is an essential part of the game. Today, CSKA was stronger in this regard; they were able to push us around, including in front of the net. We were not aggressive enough in that area, partly because they would not let us in.– Does this raise questions about the team’s level of commitment? Is that the case here?
– That was an issue throughout the entire game – we even discussed it on the bench. Even if you lack size, you still need to show character – and, ultimately, a bit of cunning and agility. Hockey is not won by brute strength alone. Unfortunately, things did not go well for us today. Against a team like CSKA, you need players who are fast, confident, and bold. CSKA certainly is not going to just let you coast through the game.
– Did you try to adapt to CSKA’s style of play?
– We simplified our game to such an extent that we ended up with 25 icings. We tried to stick to our own style, but we lost the opening shifts of every period and gave up goals. We kept saying that we needed to be more aggressive, not less. To beat a team like CSKA, you need a bit of guile and creativity. We tried to provide that kind of guidance.
