Lokomotiv head coach Bob Hartley shared his thoughts ahead of the start of the 2026 Gagarin Cup final series against Ak Bars.
The first game of the series will take place on May 11 in Yaroslavl.
Lokomotiv and Ak Bars are meeting in the playoff finals for the first time since 2009. That year, in the decisive series of the very first KHL tournament, Ak Bars emerged victorious (4-3).
– What can you say about Ak Bars?
– We are about to see a repeat of the first KHL final, and this matchup holds historical value for the league. Ak Bars is a very strong team; they fully deserved to reach the finals. Yes, they had a tough start to the regular season, but they played brilliantly in the second half. Perhaps Ak Bars has been the most consistent team in this postseason.
– Are there any revenge sentiments in the club due to the loss in the first KHL final?
– That’s a distant story. I feel that during the first KHL final, the Beatles were still touring. Every match is unique and different. There’s no point in comparing.
– How is the team’s emotional state after the series with Avangard?
– We have a very experienced team. I agree that the series with Avangard was emotional and exciting, but it earned us the right to be in the finals. I hope we gained a new energy from it. The team must be ready for the decisive games.
– What can you say about Ak Bars’ defensive line?
– They also have an experienced team; they play tight in their own zone. Moreover, they have many big players, making it very difficult to penetrate Ak Bars’ goal area. I think we have a similar style, so we know what to do in such situations.
– This is your third Gagarin Cup final. Are there any differences in how you feel?
– Each round is a separate story. It’s like writing a book: once you finish a round, you finish a book. As for comparing finals, there are both similar emotions and differences. Now there’s a different opponent, and you prepare differently. Plus, I’m with a different team. Yes, I feel similar emotions, but there are differences.
– Grigory Denisenko plays for Ak Bars. These games will be particularly significant for him.
– Yes, for Grigory these matches will be special. I had contact with him before the season; we spoke several times because his player rights belonged to Lokomotiv. I have a good relationship with him, but he didn’t reach an agreement with the club. I think that’s why these games will be especially meaningful for him, said Hartley.
