Igor Grishin: «What pleased me most today was the team's attitude»
28.08.2026
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 7–1 win over Severstal.
– What are your overall impressions of the victory?
– Naturally, the impressions are positive. It was a substantial win and a well–executed game. The players took the ice with the right mindset and demonstrated noticeable improvement compared to our previous outing, which was to be expected. They operated with far greater fluidity today, and many aspects of our game plan came together effectively.
– It is often observed – somewhat paradoxically – that coaches tend to view high-scoring victories with caution, as the reduced level of resistance may limit the scope for critical analysis and evaluation. Would you share that perspective?
– I suspect such reservations may not be entirely sincere. When a team scores freely and secures a convincing win, it is inherently satisfying. What pleased me most today was the team's attitude. Even after the first period, with a commanding lead, there was no drop in intensity whatsoever. Their focus remained intact from the opening face-off to the final buzzer.
– At the start of the third period, a series of penalties occurred. Did you sense that the match was becoming overly eventful, and did you perhaps urge the players to exercise greater restraint toward the opposition?
– Not at all. Our opponents were equally determined to impose their own style and find the back of the net. They began the third frame with energy and managed to score. However, we retained full control of the contest and responded promptly with our seventh goal. From that point onward, the outcome was clear.
– Next game is scheduled for tommorow noon, do you anticipate sufficient recovery time, and have you devised any specific strategies for managing the schedule?
– We approach this as a standard situation. All participating teams operate under identical conditions. Yesterday, for instance, Severstal played while we had a rest day. We will implement a measured rotation: those who did not feature today will be included in the starting lineup for the next match, while some of tonight's players will be given a break. Our objective is to sustain the same competitive spirit moving forward.
