Today Barys HC held an open training on the capital's arena before the start of the KHL playoffs

Today Barys HC held an open training on the capital's arena before the start of the Kontinental Hockey League playoffs.

On Tuesday, March 1, Yuri Mikhailis team will play away with Metallurg from Magnitogorsk in the first match of the Gagarin Cup. Another match will take place in Magnitogorsk on March 3. The meetings will be held on the 5th and 7th in the Kazakhstan capital. Series will last up to four wins. Three more games can be held if necessary: on March 9 (away), March 11 (home) and March 13 (away).

Barys head coach, Yuri Mikhailis, spoke about preparation of his team for the start of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) playoffs.

- Yuri Vladimirovich, could you sum up your team's preparation for the playoffs.

- We have quite good preparation, we held two training camps with a short break. Before the friendly games, training camp was more focused on physics and technique. There were worthy rivals, including two very powerful teams - Dynamo from Moscow and Spartak. In the first game with Spartak, we were very confident in attack, we scored good goals and power play was quite effective. Dynamo has a very strong defense even without leading players, almost all the leaders are in starting lineup. We really needed such games, instructive ones. It's great that such matches were held among teams as they will definitely be useful in the playoffs.

- How do you assess the game in new combinations of players who have not been changed all three matches?

- Roman Starchenko could not participate in those meetings as we gave him a rest. Therefore, Alikhan Asetov was included to the first team. He has already been the member of starting lineup. He played really well and quite confidently. He was one of the leaders, his aggressive game in attack was encouraging for us. As for Yegor Petukhov– he played in his own style, his excitement, attitude and a little obsession added speed to the third link.

- Today Dmitry Gurkov was transferred to the injured reserve. How much will the loss of center forward, who played shorthanded and did rough work a lot, affect the team?

- Of course, this is a noticeable loss. it is a pity. We already have a shortened roster, so the loss of any player greatly affects the team. Yes, a big loss.

Forward Nikita Mikhailis told about readiness of the capital club for playoffs.

- Nikita, are there two days before the start of playoffs? Could you tell us about your preparations

- We had a little rest from a hard trip, which is, of course, what we all needed. After all, we had a month and a half without games. That's why we have a good competitive spirit, the guys want to get on the ice and show a good game. We are ready.

- What can you say about opponents, you played the last matches with them.

- It's been a month and a half, so we don't take them into account. A good team with quick players, they score a lot as well. But we will play our game and proceed from our performance, not looking at them.

- Nikita, you are playing with Metallurg for the third season in a row, isn't this confrontation becoming fundamental, given that the hockey players of the Kazakhstan national team are now playing there?

- For me personally, it does not matter. I have a new team, new players every season. You just have to go out and outplay them. This year we are ready as we have played well in the last games. I think we have a good chance.

The  team captain Roman Starchenko told about his state of health and readiness for the main segment of championship.

- Roman, how are you feeling?

- Great!

- Today you are training with a team on the ice. How long have you been skating?

- I skated every day, I didn't go to Moscow with the team, I don't have any injury. I just got tired, the coaches gave me a rest. But I trained according to an individual program.

- What is your opinion about games of the team in Moscow?

- In general, I liked the team's game in attack, we scored a lot of goals. But friendly matches are not playoffs or even regular season. Maybe someone did not play using his full potential. We got practice, everyone is happy. Everyone is ready, eager to fight.

- What could you say about opponent?

- The team is quite good, they took the first place. Currently, they are leaders of the Eastern Conference and the entire championship as well. Quick players, who play with the puck well. We are analyzing their matches and preparing. The first matches will show who is better prepared.

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