Mitch Love: "We Fell Asleep" in Match Against Avangard

In a KHL championship match, the Shanghai Dragons lost to Avangard with a score of 3:5. The losing head coach, Mitch Love, stated that the team controlled the game, but a collapse in the third period and mistakes in simple situations proved decisive.

«We wanted to keep pressing, but we fell asleep a bit. And against a good team, it always ends the same way,» said Love.

The turning point was two goals conceded within 12 seconds. According to the coach, mistakes on the faceoff and puck possession compounded each other, and Avangard immediately took advantage.

Love emphasized that blame cannot be placed on a single player. He defended defenseman Adam Clendenning, noting that he sometimes holds onto the puck but remains a «workhorse» and a key element of the team. The same applies to the Fu brothers, who play on the power play.

The coach urged all players to raise their level rather than rely on others. «If we want to revive the end of the season, everyone must raise their level and not wait for someone else to do it for them,» he noted.

Love reminded that the Dragons are nine points behind the playoff zone, so every match is critical. In his opinion, the team lacks stability throughout all 60 minutes of play, which is necessary for victories.

The match at SKA Arena brought Avangard their eighth consecutive victory. Michael McLeod made the decisive contribution, scoring a brace and netting the game-winning goal. For the Shanghai Dragons, this defeat was another blow in their fight to make the playoffs.