Press Conference «Neftekhimik – CSKA» 11/14/2025
14.11.2025
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 3–2 win over CSKA.
I think it was a very entertaining and interesting game. It was fast–paced game with lots of attacks and scoring chances – games like these are fun, especially for the winning team. I think the fans enjoyed the hockey. After the last game, we analyzed our shortcomings and mistakes, and the guys did a good job. The team corrected its mistakes and played creatively. So, this victory is their achievement.– How would you rate Duszak's performance and why Barulin did not play?
– The roster isn not flexible; you have to choose who plays. We just brought in Kondrat Reshetnikov, a young guy, and he is been playing very well in his second game, especially since he is a limited player. Duszak was finally brought into the lineup, too; we waited for him to be ready. I liked the way he playedd. It is great to have playmakers on the team. He has a good pass, he finds his target, plays calmly, gets open, receives passes – he does everything reliably. Like everyone, there are some mistakes, but you cannot avoid it. We played against tough and strong opponent. It was a good first game for him.
– What can you say about Damir Zhafyarov?
– This is his first game back from injury. He never plays below his level. When he gets back into shape, he will play even better. Even now, his skill and the little details are noticeable: when it comes to keeping the puck, making the right play in a situation, stealing it from an opponent, or clearing the puck out of the zone – he has no problem with it. Once he is fully recovered, his offensive play will be even more impressive.
CSKA Head Coach Igor Nikitin:
– Unfortunately, individual mistakes ruined the team effort. Although the team needs to be strong to bail out individual mistakes, we were not able to do that today.
– Gamzin's clean sheet has come to an end. Why was the decision to make him starting goalie instead of Samonov?
– We do not even pay attention to whether he has a clean sheet or not. We need the team to play. Clean sheets are usually a credit to both the goalie and the team. Dmitry, like the team, is growing – there are no great victories without losses.
