"Guys are not sparing themselves": Gatiyatulin spoke about how "Ak Bars" is preparing for "Metallurg"

      Gatiyatulin on the strengths of "Metallurg" and the preparation of "Ak Bars"

      "We all know what the main factors of playoff games are – character, dedication, selflessness"

      Today, "Ak Bars" led by Anvar Gatiyatulin will head to Magnitogorsk to play the first matches of the semifinals of the Gagarin Cup playoffs. The matches in the Urals will take place on April 25 and 27. In anticipation of the first matches, the coach of Kazan held a large press conference for journalists. The head coach of "Ak Bars" was asked about expectations from the series against the regular season champion, what became the key to the rout of Minsk's "Dynamo" in the second round, and how to cope with the fast-paced hockey of "Metallurg." All of Anvar Gatiyatulin's answers are in the material below.

      - What is your attitude towards prolonged breaks between series? Would you like to ask the League to shorten the breaks if all series finish early?

      – There is a regulation, according to which we prepare. We had experience during the season coming out of long breaks, and in the playoffs. Therefore, we use all opportunities.

      – "Ak Bars" passed Minsk's "Dynamo" partly thanks to blocked shots and physical plays. How important will this be in the series against "Metallurg"?

      – The game consists of many components, these are some of the key ones. We all know what the main factors of playoff games are – character, dedication, selflessness. Any factor can be decisive. The guys do not spare themselves and fight.

      – Initially, the third line of Denisенко-Fisenko-Yashkin surprised many; how well did it work in the playoffs?

      – We do not divide lines by numbers; each trio has its own function, and the guys know this. Throughout the season, we tried different combinations, both in attacking trios and defensive pairs. We watch, and during the game, we also make some adjustments. Based on the experience of the season and two rounds of the playoffs, we prepare for any possible scenarios.

      – How much can we trust Maxim Arefyev's place in goal?

      – Before the first round, we talked to many guys that our main goalkeeper is Timur Bilyalov. But Maxim shows with his readiness that we can distribute the load correctly.

      – What should we be prepared for in the series against "Metallurg"?

      – The main factors of the playoffs are discipline, selflessness, character, and tenacity in every game moment. We are preparing for the first match; it is the most important one, and we need to start the series confidently.

      – "Metallurg" is a less bulky team than yours. Will this affect the game?

      – We watched, analyzed the opponent, and conveyed to the guys what to pay attention to. But I always said – we keep our focus on our game.

      – "Ak Bars" found it comfortable to play against "Metallurg" in the regular season. Does this matter in the playoffs?

      – Every new match is a new story. Yes, we take experience from previous games, which we prepare with.

      – What strong points of the opponent did you focus on during preparation?

      – We know that this is a strong, skilled team with good attacking potential. But first and foremost, we keep our focus on our game.

      – The cost of penalties surely increases?

      – This is also one of the main factors. But the game consists of segments when we have the puck and when the opponent has it. Here, we need to play correctly and squeeze the maximum out of our active segments. And also treat the segments when the opponent has the puck correctly, rationally, and pragmatically.

      – "Metallurg" has never lost the second period in the playoffs. How important is it to break this statistic? Will it be an indicator of success if you can win the second period against them?

      – We take this into account too. I can't say anything about "Metallurg"; everything we saw, we conveyed to the guys. We focus on our game – both without the puck and with the puck.

      – The playoffs have shown that many experts and analysts often make mistakes. How unpredictable will the series be?

      – We do not pay attention to these moments; the expert's task is for their opinion to be discussed. This is done more for the press and fans. We analyze hockey.

      – Will we see Albert Yarullin in this series?

      – At the last press conference, you asked me this question. All our guys are in the lineup, and I have repeatedly discussed the principles of determining the roster. I can repeat, but you all know them.

      – Is the probability more than 50%?

      – I can repeat the same thing.

      – Are you able to abstract from external pressure?

      – I personally do not read, but sometimes some moments are sent to me.

      – Before the series against "Metallurg," most are already betting on "Ak Bars." Do you find this pleasant?

      – I do not know; I have no time to read such information. There was a lot of work during the break – analyzing our previous matches and studying the opponent, so we keep our focus on that.

      – "Ak Bars" is in the semifinals for the first time in three years. Do you notice changes in the team's mood and personally in yourself?

      – We entered this season with the experience of last year, taking a step forward in this direction. And we focused not on one line or specific players, but on the team as a whole. Coaching experience shows that results are achieved by the team.

      Photo: ak-bars.ru