Press Conference «Shanghai Dragons – Neftekhimik» 12/26/2025
26.12.2025
Neftekhimik Head Coach Igor Grishin speaks with the media after a following 4–3 overtime win over Shanghai Dragons.
– I think that the game turned out the way we expected it to be – open. Both teams are trying to play hockey and give their opponents a chance. There were plenty of scoring opportunities, and there were some mistakes, which made the game exciting. Most importantly, the fans enjoyed it. Thank God, we managed to win. Three of our away games were tied 3-3 in regulation. This was the first of those three games where we finally beat our opponent in overtime.
– What caused the slight slump?
– Despite the losses, we were getting points. The team's play during this stretch wasn't bad, but we lacked finishing. When we create chances, we score and win, but when we don't, we let in goals. Basically, we're letting in more goals than we're scoring. I'd like to see the opposite happen...
– Did you intentionally start playing to the score in the third period?
– No, the opponent pressed us. After the second period, we said the opponent wouldn't give up and would play out the game. We had a similar situation in the last game in Nizhnekamsk. But Shanghai's players are big, they pressured us at times, overwhelmed us, and scored two goals. It's good that we managed to win in overtime.
– Regarding the call... How did the coaching staff view it?
– We consulted with the video coach, and he recommended we take the call. Then we looked and thought Tochilkin was actually playing with the puck first. But I think the referees know better. We followed the video coach's advice, and at the time, it seemed like the goal was scored legally. That's why we wanted the goal to count, which is why the call came.
– How is Nikolai Krivolapov feeling?
– He earned his first point today. It's great that it was in St. Petersburg, since Nikolai is from this city. I hope he continues to grow and improve. He definitely shows some potential.
– What caused the slight slump?
– Despite the losses, we were getting points. The team's play during this stretch wasn't bad, but we lacked finishing. When we create chances, we score and win, but when we don't, we let in goals. Basically, we're letting in more goals than we're scoring. I'd like to see the opposite happen...
– Did you intentionally start playing to the score in the third period?
– No, the opponent pressed us. After the second period, we said the opponent wouldn't give up and would play out the game. We had a similar situation in the last game in Nizhnekamsk. But Shanghai's players are big, they pressured us at times, overwhelmed us, and scored two goals. It's good that we managed to win in overtime.
– Regarding the call... How did the coaching staff view it?
– We consulted with the video coach, and he recommended we take the call. Then we looked and thought Tochilkin was actually playing with the puck first. But I think the referees know better. We followed the video coach's advice, and at the time, it seemed like the goal was scored legally. That's why we wanted the goal to count, which is why the call came.
– How is Nikolai Krivolapov feeling?
– He earned his first point today. It's great that it was in St. Petersburg, since Nikolai is from this city. I hope he continues to grow and improve. He definitely shows some potential.
