Neftekhimik will held an open practice for media representatives
23.03.2026
Neftekhimik held an open practice for media before the road games against Avangard.
The practice took place at Neftekhim Arena. The team worked on drills, lines chemistry and made a series of shots. After the practice, Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin answered journalists' questions:– First of all, the stopwatch died. I was probably expecting to get a new stopwatch. If we talk seriously, the expectation for us is go out on the ice and play hockey. We should fight for victory in every game. How are playoff games different from the regular season for our team? I think the vast majority of our players probably have minimal playoff experience. So for many, this is their first experience. They will gain that experience with these games.
– What is the team's condition? Is everyone healthy? Is the lineup completed?
– Everyone on the roster practiced today. The only thing is, Barulin is out for the rest of the season with a serious injury. The guys are in high spirits and want to play. Not many have playoff experience, so they are entering this stage with enthusiasm.
– Avangard is a serious opponent. How can we win four games against this team?
– Thanks to our strengths: our speed, our pace, our aggressiveness, and the fact that we should not be afraid of this opponent. We must try to play our game, do our best in every moment, and, generally speaking, execute some of the things we practiced today.
– The playoffs are known not only for their exciting games, but also for their various traditions. Has everyone had a haircut, shaved, or paid any attention to this?
– Andrei Belozyorov got a haircut, but I haven not noticed anyone else do anything liek that.
– Do you have a plan B if the main plan doesn't work?
– You mean a backup plan? No, it's hockey, it's a game. Again, every game starts at 0-0 on the scoreboard. Each team has a 50 percent chance of winning or losing. So we just go into each game. As I said earlier, with dedication, desire, and confidence you can win. Again, the game will tell the whole story.
– How important is the support of the city's top officials, the management of Nizhnekamsk city and Nizhnekamskneftekhim PJSC, as well as Neftekhimik fans?
– Yes, it's nice that the team is receiving so much attention this season. And the fact that management is coming to the games as well as fans are filling the stands more and more with each game closer to the finish is great. We are doubly pleased, because the team is playing the kind of game that makes fans come to the games. And we hope to get some very strong support here at home games.
Neftekhimik Captain Alexander Dergachyov:
– You know, it is the most interesting and fun stage. What is the team's mood? Are there any pre–game jitters?
– No jitters yet. I think they will set in tomorrow, on game day itself. Otherwise, everything's business as usual: we are analyzing the opponent, applying all of that to our tactics and getting ready.
– Avangard is a pretty structured team, one of the top teams. How can we break that system?
– The playoffs are generally unpredictable. One moment in the game can change everything. It's clear that they're statistically better in some areas – we understand and analyze all of that perfectly. Hockey is a well – understood game, and certain battles, one hit, one fight, one goal – anything can impact a game or a series. The most important thing is to go out there confident and do your job.
– I have heard the expression several times that a team is born in the playoffs. So, is this process truly underway at Neftekhimik, or has it already happened?
– That's all true. There will still be big differences from the regular season; I think it will be a completely different hockey. So, as they say, it's true: the playoffs are a true test for every player. And, accordingly, how each player plays will impact the team; everything will count. Therefore, everyone must be 100 percent ready. Even those not on the roster – every unit must be completely focused.
– The fans are on their way to Omsk. How important is support at this stage of the season?
– The fans are probably the most important thing that will motivate us to keep going and supporting us. The arena there is huge, and it will also be a bit of a test of our fans' unity: they'll be trying to outshout the 12,000-seat arena. But of course, we're always grateful to them – we're going to the playoffs together!
