Press Conference «Avangard – Neftekhimik» 12/24/2025
24.12.2025
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 2–3 overtime loss against Avangard.
– It was a tough game, where we played a lot of defense. In the first period, we played a lot in the defensive zone. However, we were fired up by playing shorthanded. The penalty had a positive effect on us, as we created goal–scoring chances and counterattacked well until the very end. In the second period, we scored two goals and could have taken the lead. Unfortunately, we could not keep the lead. It is a shame we let the victory slip away...– You already mentioned the penalty, which fired up the team. Please tell us, were you satisfied with the players' performance before the penalty?
– We played, for the most part, in the defensive zone back then. Probably only one line was active in front of the opposing team's net. But it is good that we held on; it gave us confidence.
– Avangard dominated the game in the second period. Did you intentionally let the opposing team take the initiative? Maybe that happened due to the far bench?
– Of course, we know how Avangard plays the second period: they forecheck hard, attack hard, and overlap lines well. We had to try to get the puck out of the zone, and the plan was to play more near the opponent's net. Yes, it did not always work out, but successful counterattacks allowed us to go into the break as leaders.
– How is Filipp Dolganov feeling at this pace? He starts almost every game...
– Of course, we are worried. We are giving him time to recover, sometimes giving him a day off from practice.
– This game was your team's fourth against Avangard. Your team got a win over Avangard only once...
– You know, there are no alike games. Yeah, Avangard probably had the advantage in every game. But we found the strength and the resources to win. Generally speaking, we have a good track record against teams at the top of the standings.
– How would you rate Fyodor Kroshinsky's performance?
– He played reliably, and there are no complaints about his performance. Overall, he lived up to our expectations and played as expected.
