Avangard head coach Guy Boucher rejected claims that his team played timidly in the Gagarin Cup semifinals, insisting there was no fear on the ice.
Avangard had taken a 3-1 series lead against Lokomotiv but ultimately lost 4-3 in the semifinal series. A reporter suggested that Avangard, as they did three years ago, began to play cautiously and collapse after taking the lead.
“There was no cowardice on the ice,” Boucher said. “Everyone gave their all, and there was no fear in their eyes. We weren’t afraid of physical battles; we fought and we battled.”
Boucher noted that he was not with the team three years ago and that when he took over last season, Avangard had not even made the playoffs. He also highlighted that Lokomotiv is the best team in the league and that it would be naive to expect an easy series against them.
“I disagree with your judgment about cowardice. We didn’t shy away from physical play. You are judging by the result, but your assumptions are wrong,” Boucher added. “The opponent is strong because they’ve built their team over many years, including learning to perform under pressure. We gained experience playing under pressure, and we need to stay calm in those moments.”
He emphasized that the smallest details decided the winner in the series against Lokomotiv and that victories are built, not drawn up on a board in the summer.
