Head coach “Lokomotiv” Igor Nikitin after the match with Kunlun Red Star said that sometimes it is more useful for hockey players to show character than to win magnificently against an opponent.
On Wednesday, Lokomotiv defeated Kunlun in overtime in the home match of the KHL regular season – 3:2. The Chinese club led with a score of 2:0 until the 36th minute.
“It’s a tough game, that’s what we expected.” The opponent played well and competently. Additionally, they managed to win back and exit the match. Sometimes it is more useful to show character than to win magnificently.
— Before the third period, you changed all the links. Were you unhappy with them?
– No, that’s not the point. This was a good reason to consider other combinations. Sometimes you move someone and guys have unnecessary questions and thoughts. But here it is clear: we must win.
— What do you think of Surin’s performance?
— There are things about adult hockey he needs to learn. It’s good. He didn’t have a great game like he did against Omsk, but it would be stupid to expect the young man to be spectacular in every game. Kunlun played in an organized way, it was difficult to find space, but we gave him a chance and he took advantage of it. We are happy about it. It’s a long journey and we are ready to endure it.
— Didn’t you have enough emotions after SKA?
— The team lit up when there were only three left. The store came to life. Hockey is a team sport, you need energy on the bench, everyone needs to be energetic. I won’t say we started playing well, we didn’t play like that. But the energy industry gave us a chance to win, ”reports the correspondent of , according to Nikitin’s words.
Lokomotiv has scored 24 points in 14 matches and is at the top of the Western Conference standings.
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Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
