Igor Nikitin, head coach of the CSKA:
– The second period helped us take control of the game. And by the third period, they were just playing with the lead.
– Looking back at a month-long undefeated streak, what has changed or improved since then?
– Team wins. The boys are growing up. That’s a great gut check, because keeping your motor running isn’t always easy. A true athlete is always grinding to beat their own personal best. That’s why it’s a process. We have no illusions, we’re locked in, and we just keep pushing forward.
– Obviously, every streak comes to an end sooner or later, but are you happy with the way things are going right now?
– I’m glad we earned those wins. So it wasn't just a coincidence, like a goalie misplay or a soft goal. It was a well-earned play. The goalie was standing on his head today, and the disallowed goals didn't slow us down. That’s where the process has led us, and that’s our main focus.
– Riley Sawchuk made his debut for CSKA today. How would you rate his play? What do you expect from him? It’s clear that CSKA is a different team compared to Lada, where he was the undisputed go-to guy.
– First and foremost, he needs to adapt to coming into a new team as a leader. Riley is a real team player; he’s got skill, character, and a high motor. t goes both ways: he needs some time to adapt, and the team’s got to rally around him.
– Igor Valeryevich, this start is still a carryover from last year. The young guys really took it to heart and used last season's playoff exit as fuel for the summer.
– Who do you mean?
– Patrikhaev and Gamzin.
– Well, basically, both Patrikhaev and Gamzin are going through a sophomore slump. The second year is always a grind for everyone. The coaching staff is helping them, and the competition is still very much there. The boys are pure athletes – they aren't just looking to develop, they want to earn their spot with the big club. It’s all part of the process, that’s just hockey.
- Another question about Riley Savchuk. He played on the wing tonight, but where do you see him long-term – on the wing or down the middle?
– Life, just like hockey, is completely unpredictable. Klim suffered a non-contact injury today. That’s why I think Riley will get a chance to play both at center and on the wing. We don't look too far ahead, we just take it one day at a time. It’s not about being afraid, it’s just the nature of the game.
– Do you see him on the penalty kill, or is that situational as well?
– See. Today’s game allowed us to just roll three pairs comfortably. The boys rolled lines and didn't overplay their shifts. Plus, it’s his first game today anyway. He’s already processing a lot of information, so he just needs some time.
Igor Grishin, head coach of the Neftekhimik:
– What’s there to even say? We look a bit undersized compared to CSKA. Sleek and low-profile, but with a sharp, aggressive edge.
– Based on the game itself and what you just said, it really felt like they were a stylistic mismatch for you guys today. They played heavy along the boards – classic Nikitin-style hockey. To what extent does this perception correspond to reality?
– We're a team that doesn't shy away from physical play. We keep reminding the guys that this is a mandatory part of the game. But honestly, CSKA looked way more dominant out there today. They outbattled us in our crease and protected their own crease much better. They completely boxed us out of the slot, we physically couldn't get in there.
– Are they even trying out there? Because players often don't want to go to the slot themselves, and many coaches give them a bit of a hard time for that.
– That’s the exact same play. It was being said on the bench all game long, and in the locker room too. You lack size, but you gotta play with some grit. At the end of the day, hockey is all about being sneaky, shifty, and agile.
We just didn't have it today. To match up against CSKA, you need high-speed, confident, and gritty players. If a player picks up speed, feels resistance, and suddenly slams on the brakes to beat the defender on the spot. But that doesn't fly with CSKA. Other teams might play that fancy style and try to nutmeg someone.
– Did you try to adjust to CSKA's style before the game? Keep it simple?
– We simplified our game so much, I think we only had like 25 icings the whole game. We gave up goals on the opening shifts of every period, even though we talked about needing to come out more aggressive. Lost the draw, allowed a clean entry, got hemmed in, and they buried it. And he's slow to get up. Although I think we managed to level the playing field in the first period. Even at the end of the first period we had good chances, and in the second as well. But the third period completely got away from us. To take down a powerhouse like CSKA – skilled, heavy, sound defensively, and playing standard hockey – you need some trickery and playmaking.
