Press Conference «Amur – Neftekhimik» 3/3/2026
03.03.2026
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 1–3 loss against Amur.
– The home team came out more aggressive, faster, and they were making progress in the first period. We struggled and ultimately conceded a goal. Overall, the home team had a huge advantage. We made some adjustments during the break. I think the game evened out in the second period, and we started creating some scoring chances. Unfortunately, the second period wasn't great for us; we conceded a disappointing goal. In the third, we tried to change things up and made some adjustments. The guys tried hard and managed to score one goal, but unfortunately, we conceded a third on a counterattack, and that probably decided the outcome of the game.– Your team will be playing away from home for the rest of the championship, except for one home game. The games in Khabarovsk were challenging both physically and mentally. How do you plan to prepare the team for Vladivostok games?
– You see, the home team was fresher today. Perhaps the third or fourth day in the Far East had an impact. I think things will get a little easier for us from now on. Basically, it doesn't matter to us whether we play away or at home, as the championship has shown. We play pretty much the same on the road as we do at home. It all depends on the mood and condition of the players.
– Andrei Belozyorov spent his second game on the bench wwith your coaching staff. How do you like his performance as a coach, and how soon can the fans expect him back?
– I'd prefer him to spend more time on the ice than on the bench. I don't know, Andrei himself is eager to get back on the ice, but there are some restrictions right now. The sooner he gets back, the better it will be for us. The fact that he's on the bench is actually a good thing for our team: he actively talks to the guys, supports them, and gives them advice. It's also a good experience for him.
– In your team's previous game the day before yesterday, the goaltender was changed for an extra player with three and a half minutes to go, which allowed you to score one goal, and there were chances to tie the game up. Today, he was replaced just a little over a minute beforehand. Was that your decision, or was it simply impossible to bring on a skater earlier?
– There was no opportunity. We tried to pull him out four minutes in advance, named the sixes who would be playing, but the opponent just wouldn't stay in their zone – they kept taking the puck away, and we couldn't get a hold of it. We only changed him when we finally got puck possesion.
– Both today and the day before yesterday, your team, frankly, made a lot of mistakes, including simple ones, which isn't typical for Neftekhimik this season. Do you attribute this specifically to the Far East factor?
– We have mistakes that are unique to us. For example, the second goal we conceded: a player was left alone. It was a coincidence. Luka Profaca was bringing the puck over the boards, passing it, hitting the referee's skate, the puck bounced, and an opposing player ended up scoring a goal. The second defenseman may have been too hasty in getting open, but he saw we had the puck and tried to be open for a breakaway. Unfortunately, the puck ricocheted, and the opponent didn't lose his cool and quickly shot.
