Salavat Yulaev rallied to beat Sibir 5–4 in overtime. Forward Sheldon Rempal said the team was determined to end a three-game losing streak and that he was relieved to record points after a four-game drought.
Rempal said Salavat were unhappy to have lost three games in a row, particularly after a difficult stretch on the road. Against Sibir, Ufa fell behind early and struggled to find its rhythm. In the forward’s view, the hosts had looked better in the first half. He said the demanding schedule may have affected Salavat, while stressing that it was no excuse.
The players kept fighting, came back and took the game to overtime. Rempal said his line had helped energize the bench and called the win especially important in a league where every game is hard. He also acknowledged thinking about a four-game stretch without a point. He described it as an unpleasant feeling and said he wanted to contribute more. A strong team can make up for one player’s difficult spell through the efforts of others, he said.
Rempal thanked Danil Alalykin for the winning goal. He noted that it is difficult to battle for position in front of the net and find chances against strong opponents. Alalykin had played well throughout the game, he said, and showed courage in the slot.
The forward also said long flights and time-zone changes affect players’ bodies. He praised the coaching staff’s preparation schedule: the team did not skate on game day and had practiced the day before. Rempal said dialogue with the coaches helps players cope with a demanding calendar.
The game was played in Novosibirsk on October 7 and ended 5–4 for Salavat in overtime. Sport-Express reported that the Ufa side had 15 points from 13 games and stood third in the Eastern Conference. The team is scheduled to visit Metallurg on October 9.