Ilnar Misbakhov: «The guys fought hard»
06.10.2026
Reaktor Head Coach Ilnar Misbakhov speaks with the media after a following 3–2 overtime win over Loko–76.
– Your team conceded a goal in the first minute. That is a tough start for any team. How did you manage to keep your composure and turn the game around?
– Well, this is not the first time we have started poorly. We need to figure out why that keeps happening. We tell our defensemen that the opponent is a fast team – they run and apply pressure – but not every player reacts to that effectively. Still, we will keep working on it and offering guidance. Yes, we could have easily conceded another goal after that first one; our goaltender, Shayakhmetov, kept us in the game. We weathered that onslaught, then turned the tide and took the initiative. We had a good chance in the second period. That five-minute penalty kill really put the squeeze on us, but the guys did a great job. They put their bodies on the line, and Shayakhmetov came up big. We managed to snatch the win in overtime.
– Regarding that long penalty kill – what allowed you to handle it so well?
– Team unity. The guys fought hard. They understood that they had to throw themselves in front of the puck and block everything. We also played the penalty kill well and even managed to get a breakaway, drawing a penalty in the process. It was a great effort not to concede a goal there.
– This was not an easy victory. What does it mean for the team's character and growth?
– It means moving forward.
