Okulov about the third match with Lokomotiv: you play at least all night - just to win
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Okulov about the third match with Lokomotiv: you play at least all night - just to win

One of the main protagonists in the marathon third game of the series against Lokomotiv (3-2 OT), forward Konstantin Okulov talked about how he survived such an intense game.

– For a fan, such a match is an opportunity to prolong the pleasure of hockey. But for the players to spend 126 minutes on the court is a serious test.

– Of course, it's hard. But there's a certain thrill in it, a hard game - one puck can decide the outcome of the game. That's the beauty of our sport – you play to the last. Though all evening and all night - just to win.

– In the playoffs, games are played every other day and it's important to have time to recover. In your opinion, do you need to change something in the rules so that the bouts are not so protracted?

– Of course, today's version is more fair. A five-on-five game is an honest option and, I think, the most correct one.

– How did you set yourself up and keep yourself toned down for almost six and a half periods?

– It is clear that this is not the easiest moment. You're trying to recover, to rest. Do not load yourself with unnecessary thoughts, be afraid to make a mistake. Just do what you've been taught since you were a kid, to benefit the team and do your job honestly.

– You scored a double, you also had several opportunities to score a hat-trick. Can you call this the best match of the season for yourself?

– It's hard to say that. Sometimes you score, but you may not play your best, sometimes it's the other way around. You just have to be better today than you were yesterday - that's the most important thing.

– There is not much time ahead for recovery. We are playing the fourth match tomorrow. How do you set yourself up for further struggle?

– No adjustment today - lay down, get some sleep, give my legs a little rest.