07 December 2022

KHL. Barys - Ak Bars. Trainer's comments (video)

After the match Barys - Ak Bars (3:2 S) a press conference was held with the head trainers of both teams.

Yuri Babenko Acting Ak Bars head trainer

- Not exactly the way we wanted to start the game. Gave the opponent an advantage. The second and third periods may be credited. What didn't succeed in the first period had an impact on the game and the result.

- Replacing the puckstopper in the shootout, was it an attempt to save the series or Miftakhov had an injury?

- We have a puckstoppers trainer who is in charge of puckstoppers play. Maybe didn't see what this was supposed to be about, so that's why the replacement happened.

- Adamchuk replaced Voynov today. Is this an attempt to start a physically game or is Slava having some problems?

- He wasn't one hundred percent ready today, so Kirill played and Slava didn't.

- As the game went on, you shifted to three lines. How much, for example, can Shipachyov stand for twenty minutes of playing time?

- First of all, Shipachyov had very few games where he played under twenty minutes. His playing time is in decline, even when compared to last season. We switched to a three-line game with five minutes left in the third period. The guys in the fourth line did a tremendous job. They earned two penalties, they played great in the short-handed game. There are no complaints against them.

Andrei Skabelka, Barys Head Trainer

- Nice match. We told guys before the game that they should be faster in anything they did. Let the opponent have as little possession of the puck as possible. Probably before the conceded goal we were able to do it. We were one step ahead everywhere. We created some good chances - and scored. But after conceding the puck, we lost the lead somewhere. I am grateful to the guys for their patience, for their dedication, they were fighting to the end. Yes, we missed a goal, but we won in the end. Thanks to the fans! Thanks guys! There are good moments that get better every game. We're on pause now. I think everyone needs it now. I would say that we've gained some momentum, but if you look at the games that we'll have after the break, there's such a schedule that this break is necessary. Especially considering that half of the team will take part in the Channel One Cup.

- Weren't you afraid to let Dmitry Shevchenko play today, considering he just arrived and hasn't played for Avangard for two weeks?

- Not feared. He was not only in our system, but in a serious Avangard's system. Passed Hartley School, and played quite a few games this season. Muratov got a small injury after Ufa. No, we weren't.

- Dmitry earned a penalty, that was implemented, can you say it was his game - taking a hit?

- We all know who Dmitry Shevchenko is. It's his game, earning a penalties, getting hot. I've said before that we're somewhat of a lightweight team. We're trying to build muscle.

- Noticed this particularity, that you mix foreign defensemen with local guys. Is this was intentionally, or are they so matched on the basis of their playing qualities?

- Both. Both Adil Beketayev and Tamirlan Gaitamirov are spending their first season in KHL and getting so much time. Samat Daniyar did not play the last games, but we are counting on him. He is showing good progress.