19.01.12 19:00 Druzhba Palace, Donetsk
Donbass
Neftyanik
Press-conference
Aleksandr Kulikov (head coach of HC "Donbass"):
- Today was a game of equal teams. Last year, our opponent played in the finals of the playoffs and this year they are - one of the leaders of the league. There was a meeting of two leaders of the Western Conference, and it was not expected that the meeting will end with a big score. It was important for us to win this game, after a difficult tournament in France. I would like to thank the guys who was in uneasy situation after the tour, had the courage and beat this team. Of course, I would like to thank our fans who supported us. With this support, we tried to play the full as we can.
- Why Zhurun did not play?
- He has a fever. This is another loss for us. As you know, Borovkov injured. A month has passed and the situation has not improved with him. Today, few people have played with the help of the injections. I think that Zhurun will appear not earlier than in three or four days.
- On the eve the President of HC "Donbass" Boris Kolesnikov, made several important statements for the team. Will his words become a new "doping" for the team?
- This is not the first time said that further steps will depend on the results, which the team will show. It's not a simple question. There must be taken into account many aspects. But this question only to the club management. They decide, whether the team play in the KHL next year or not.
Rishat Gimaev (head coach of HC "Neftyanik"):
- The game turned tense and dynamic. In the third period the game was running till the scored puck. First team to score, will win.
- Your team was founded in 2002. How it has changed since the formation of?
- "Neftyanik" has changed radically, over the past four years. The team has a different format. Five years ago we had an adult team, four formidable levels, and now - seven or eight adults, others - young people. Played with the leader. Tuned up, all the settings done.
- What are the explanations given, after that the referee canceled a puck, when he was approaching your bench?
- He still gives it, we will find out. As he explained - it was offside. Throughout my career I see that kind of situation for the first time.
Press Service of HC "Donbass"