The Neftekhimik team experienced a significant challenge on February 28, 2025, as they faced Amur in the KHL regular championship, concluding the game with a tight score of 4-5, after overtime. Head coach Oleg Leontiev and Canadian player Jean-Sebastien Di both shared their insights following the gripping match.
Leontiev remarked on the intensity of the match, stating, "It was evident the opponent was very focused on us. We also kept pace and managed to eliminate their advances. It was fast and dynamic gameplay, showcasing moments from both sides." He appreciated the performance of Amur, noting, "They deserved to lead, and we responded strongly, particularly during the third period when we almost took the lead ourselves. Unfortunately, it was the post which saved Amur."
Both teams displayed impressive tenacity, with Leontiev acknowledging two significant scoring opportunities for Neftekhimik. Yet, he pointed out, "While we had our chances, we couldn't capitalize on them, which led to Amur qualifying for their chance and winning the match. Still, the team fought hard, and there are no serious complaints about their performance."
Following the loss, Neftekhimik sits at ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 54 points, just five points away from the playoff zone. The players will need to rally if they hope to break through to the playoffs, especially considering there are only nine matches left in the regular season.
The upcoming rematch against Amur is on March 2 at 10:30 AM, providing Neftekhimik with another opportunity to prove themselves and shrink the gap to the eighth playoff position. Leontiev conveyed his plans, stating, "We're preparing for the next match here, working on our strategies to execute and score."
The strong performance by Jean-Sebastien Di during this game, who scored twice, also underlines the team's potential, blending well with Leontiev's strategies. The dynamic collaboration between the players will be pivotal as they prepare for the next match against Amur.
Despite their position, the team seems determined, drawing from their recent experiences and strengthening efforts to face the upcoming matches with renewed vigor. Leontiev encourages the players noting, "We’ve got to keep our heads up, focus on the next steps and capitalize on what we've learned from the past games."
While Neftekhimik may have stumbled initially, their resilience could well lead them back to the playoff contention if they can maintain their momentum and address the missed opportunities encountered during the match. The future holds exciting possibilities as fans hope to see them ascend the standings.