Press Conference «Lada – Neftekhimik» 11/16/2025
16.11.2025
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 1–2 loss against Lada.
– It is very difficult for a coach to comment on a game, especially when the team is losing. Overall, we played well, but something didn't work out here. The opponent was luckier. So I understand the coaches who say, Let's get to the questions without comments about the game. Well, the game was toe–to–toe like. The home team scored one more goal than us today, and that is why they won.– There were a lot of chances on the power play – Lada had a major penalty. Why were not we able to score? We scored six on five, but not five on four.
– The opponent defended well, intercepted passes, blocked shots, and played tight in front of the net. Our guys, however, might have hesitated for a split second here and there, maybe they should have shot faster or were not making a right decision. We need to be more confident in some areas, or maybe take a shot from uncomfortable position. We seem to be keeping the puck, we seem to be creating chances, but unfortunately, we scored only one goal.
– Second game against Lada and we got a second defeat. We have not managed to score more than one goal, and both of those goals were scored by Mityakin.
– Well, I guess it means it is his team for him if he scores. Zhenya's doing well; he scores, he is one of the leaders. Lada plays very seriously on defense, and Vanya Bocharov kept his team in the game. So, perhaps we lacked a little skill to capitalize on our chances. There are chances, but the opponent plays selflessly and creates them themselves. Overall, it is a tough game. Lada's structure of play is such that it drains a lot of energy from the attacking team. Getting into the zone requires energy; creating a chance requires energy. Perhaps that energy is a little lacking for the finishing shot.
