Nikita Popugayev: «We had a lot of scoring chances»
26.12.2025
Neftekhimik forward Nikita Popugayev speaks with the media after a following 4–3 overtime win over Shanghai Dragons.
– It was a good game, we won, we had a lot of scoring chances—both our opponents and us.– Both teams played offensive hockey. Is that the reason for so many penalties, or was it just emotion that got the better of us?
– Of course, it is emotion. Everyone wants to win; that's hockey—passions run high on the ice. I think that's how it works, especially in the first period, where we had a lot of penalties.
– You made your KHL debut at 27. Why didn't it work out before?
– Well, that's not my question. I tried to do my job. I am grateful for this opportunity...
– How is it to play at Neftekhimik?
– It's a great team, a good atmosphere, the coaching staff, the team—everything is top-notch. We always have a positive atmosphere in the locker room because that's hockey—everyone makes mistakes. Of course, they criticize you for bad moments, but they also give you advice and give you opportunities to improve. Because of this, we have, so to speak, a very great atmosphere in the team.
