- You gave the audience a famously twisted intrigue.
- Yeah. Leading in two goals, you just had to control the game, dictate the conditions. And we took and relaxed, deciding that the thing was done.
- The third goal was abandoned also at the moment of relaxation?
- That's not the point. And before the third goal, and after it was necessary to play your hockey. And to strengthen attention in defense. But in the end we spent a lot of energy in the third period and did not complete the installation of the coach.
- It seemed that in the third period you also sat down physically.
- Yes, not without it. Very tired.
- So, they could not maintain the pace, which they themselves took from the first minutes. Indeed, in the first period you completely outplayed the army team.
- I would not say that they could not stand it. But what is tired is for sure.
- With what feelings did you expect overtime?
- During the break, Sergei Mikhailovich (Mikhalev) went into the locker room and told us that everything starts from scratch. What you can and need to score a goal and win the match.
- But the psychological advantage was clearly on the side of the army. They played such a gap.
- I do not agree. On the contrary, it even spurred us.
- But it’s a shame, when victory literally slips out of your hands?
- Of course, it was a shame. We controlled the game. And it was impossible to miss these goals at such a moment.
- In general, ruined relaxation and loss of concentration?
- Yes. Well, I must admit, the army team looked physically stronger.
- Coaches, probably, tried to rebuild the game somehow during the third period?
- That certainly wasn’t. They demanded that we continue to abide by the plan. Sergei Mikhailovich asked: “Guys, why don't I recognize you ?! Play as you played in the first period! ”
- And why didn’t they play? After all, they could have decided everything in almost the first twenty minutes.
- Oh. Of course, one should not miss such chances. But nerves are not iron.
- Did they fail in the second match of the series?
- After a major victory in the first match, we were in some euphoria. Which, of course, is not the case.
- And what to expect from you tomorrow?
- I don’t know yet. We will try to win the last match. That is, not the last, but the fourth. I really want to solve all the issues here in Moscow.
- Is it true that in the “Salavat” during the championship changed tasks for the season?
- In principle, no. The task was this - to enter the top three following the results of a smooth championship. And in the playoffs we have to go through two rounds.
- That is, medals.
- Exactly. I would be glad.
“What about gold?”
- It's too early to talk about it. In addition, we have losses - Antipov fell for an indefinite period of time, having suffered shoulder damage. He was taken to the hospital right from the game.
“So tomorrow will be difficult.” Antipov - a serious loss.
- Of course. It is necessary to relax, restore strength and emotions, which are almost gone.
- Do not repeat today's mistakes?
- No, stop making mistakes already. In the end, we must draw conclusions. You can’t play like that.
Nikolay FEDORENKO