Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Kunlun RS» 02/24/2023

Press Conference «Neftekhimik – Kunlun RS» 02/24/2023

Oleg Leontyev, the head coach of HC Neftekhimik:

– Incredible championship, it was interesting! It kept us charged till the very end - who will get the eighth place in the East Conference in order to make playoffs? We believed in ourselves, we fought to the very end, despite the fact that we started this season with 10-game losing streak. I am proud of the guys! It was not easy, but we did it! I would like to congratulate everyone! We will prepare for the playoffs. I think we will make some noise there.

After scoring first goal, we felt more comfortable. We played hard. Tikhomirov kept us in the game. Our power play units did a good job.

– In the first round of the Gagarin Cup, the team will face Ak Bars. Do you have any idea how to prepare for these games?

– Sure, we have some ideas because we have already reached the playoffs last season. We are preparing for this.

– What is the task for the playoffs?

– To advance to the second round - this is the task that we have.

Greg Ireland, the head coach of HC Kunlun RS:

– When you look at the end result you see 7–0 it is not something to be happy about, the fact that kind of embarrased. I think we played pretty hard, especially the first two periods. We had a chance to score some goals, which could turn that game in a different direction, either, they were shaky. I have to give them credit; they were able to take the lead and continue it.

As I said, we did generate some offensive, their goaltender made big saves, that is depite only have one power play, but we had some good offensive zone time. Their goals came off breakdowns, which slowly turned the game in that favor.

And our guys continued to battle even know the score, our guys blocked a lot of shots late in game, helped each other and protected our D-zone.

It is certainly, is not the way we wanted to finish the season, these last two games. I think our team this year has overall really stepped up and been competitive most nights. We have become a better and more competitive team. I think our group is going show that pride right to the very end.