Vitalii Chernochub comments: "We conducted a series of games with SKA-1946 with dignity"
The Omsk Yastrebov hockey team lost to SKA-1946 in a tough semifinal series, falling 2:4 after a home defeat of 1:4 in the sixth game on May 5. Despite taking an early lead with a goal from Vyacheslav Malov, the Yastrebov struggled to hold onto the initiative.
In the second period, the visitors capitalized with goals from Matvey Korotkov and Nikita Surayev. The third period saw Matuszewski Poliakov score with a goal on the 47th minute, taking the lead 1:3 for the SKA-1946. The fourth goal for the SKA-1946 was scored into an empty net as the Yastrebov launched a desperate five-on-one attack - Alexander Filipov achieved the goal for the SKA-1946.
After the game, Coach Vitali Chernochub assessed the series as a whole and the team's performance:
"Our opponent was stronger, and we didn't have enough energy for all three periods, which we have to admit. The emotions were there too. It was visible in the players. We have to admit that the score might not have been entirely fair, but the outcome was legitimate".
Chernochub went on to mention that the team arrived in Petersburg on Sunday morning at 6 am, allowing the players to rest. Then came the practice and the game itself.
"Objectively, our team is younger, and adapting after flights from the west to the east is challenging, making us weaker. Here, I'll repeat myself, we didn't have enough energy and emotions. It was obvious".
SKA-1946 had a formidable roster, and I watched the warm-up skate of the non-playing players in Petersburg - it's very impressive, it's clear the team was put together with the intention of winning the championship. If we had only played the most experienced player in the KHL, Mikhail Guliaev, then they had at least three players who stood out.
However, we still managed to put up a worthy fight. In the first game of the series in Petersburg, we were still adjusting. We messed up there, but the rest of the games were evenly matched, except for today's game
All this makes me think that we need more games against Western teams. Hockey is more physically demanding in the West, where stronger players are gathered, which must be acknowledged. In the MHL, I'd like to emphasize. For me, the results are secondary here, as long as the players grow and develop. Playing more games against Western teams in the regular season would have been great - yes, I know it raises questions about costs and logistics, but the feeling is that the league is subtly moving towards that idea, and I see the understanding of such development", Chernochub concluded.
Defenseman Pavel Smyshlyaev provided his take on the game:
"Maybe before this game, we weren't well-rested enough. The first period was in our favor? Yes, probably, we started well. However, we faltered in the second, conceding a goal that we didn't clear out effectively. The initiative then shifted to the SKA. Overall, I want to thank the SKA for their competitiveness in this series.
The mood in the dressing room after the game? Of course, it was a difficult moment, especially since 11 veterans of the team are leaving. Each of them said something. I thanked the team".
- Following the loss, Coach Vitali Chernochub admitted that their opponent was stronger and the Yastrebov lacked the energy for all three periods during the semifinal series.
- Chernochub noted that the team's adapting after flights from the west to the east was challenging, weakening their performance, especially against a formidable roster like SKA-1946.
- According to Defenseman Pavel Smyshlyaev, the Yastrebov started well in the first period but faltered in the second, conceding a goal and losing the initiative, ultimately losing 2:4.
- In the MHL, Chernochub emphasized the need for more games against Western teams to help players grow and develop, despite the logistical challenges it might present.
