After Avangard’s 3-4 semifinal series loss to Lokomotiv, head coach Guy Boucher addressed his earlier remarks about the team’s roster depth. The Canadian specialist explained that while comparisons between the two clubs are inevitable, the context must be considered.
“It’s important what kind of roster depth we’re talking about. Lokomotiv indeed has class players. We knew we needed to improve with high-quality players,” Boucher said. “Lokomotiv’s team has been built over five years. Ours has been built for one year and four months. Can we compare them? That’s the question.”
Boucher stressed that the rebuilding process takes time, especially after the addition of 15 new players last summer. “We need time to build cohesion. The players are helping with this process. We are approaching that level, but we haven’t reached it yet. We need time.”
Reflecting on the series, Boucher noted the difference from last season. “Losing last season and this season are two huge differences. Last year we were fighting back. This year, when we faced CSKA, the leaders got a lot of ice time. After the series I was satisfied that we weren’t completely exhausted.”
“We were leading the series, and Lokomotiv had to show everything they had to tie the score. Yes, we could have won, but we were just one centimeter short, one smart decision shy. Last season, if we had faced Lokomotiv in the third round, I think we would have been eliminated in four or five games,” Boucher concluded.
