24 December 2022

KHL. Barys - Avtomobilist. Trainer's comments (video)

After the match Barys – Avtomobilist (5:4 S) a press conference was held with the Head Trainers of both teams.

Nikolai Zavarukhin Avtomobilist Head Trainer

- Good game. Yeah, many goals scored, that fans like. Leading 3-1, we got unnecessary penalties in the second period and slightly turned the game, under our control. Next, the guys didn't quit working, continued to play what we asked them before. Congratulations to Romanov, he made his debut on the shootout. His first game in KHL, not bad, one missed shootout. We lost in shootout, probably lacking skill.

- Such a feast of goals is a joy for the fans, but not really for yours. The offense was stronger today, or the defense didn't work as well as it should have been?

- Today there were good goals from both sides, and "draft" goals with the getting. It is understandable that trainers want to concede less and score more. But it's a sport, and we play hockey for the fans.

- Evaluate Curtis Valk and Jesse Blacker's play and their contribution in making the team going high enough?

- It's just an indication that the team is going high. Every player is important now. They are the leaders, they help the team score points.

Andrei Skabelka, Barys Head Trainer

- Good, emotional match. I think fans enjoyed it. It's been a long time since we played games like this in front of our own audience, and on the whole this season. There is no point in commenting on mistakes. I wanted to thank the guys for not giving up after two goals. Got back into the game fairly quickly. We were able to get the points and get the win by shootout. A very important win for us. Thanks guys! Special thanks to the fans for this atmosphere!

- Andrei Shutov was the second goalie today. What plans have you got for this player, will he go on the roadstand?

- It will depend on Hudacek's condition. He got sick. Perhaps he will, why not?

- Shevchenko gets more than 16 minutes of playing time. How much does he deserve the minutes you entrust him?

- Completely. He puts a lot of pressure on his opponents. Plays in the short-handed and power play. I have already said that we lacked an aggressive attack, when we need to play in front of the net, somewhere in the defense to apply pressure. He's one of those players.

- Is Chaput bursting through, has he finally recovered from his injury?

- I've already been asked about Chaput, that he has so many games that are scoreless. I was saying that his problem is not that he doesn't have points, but injuries. He can't get a game tone. He's a good player.