"When considering only the match against Russia – it could have been worse, or it could have been better had we avoided two or three cheap goals. But there is no use thinking about that now," the selector said about the performance of the Slovenian team against Russia proti Rusiji (3:5).
The purpose of the game is to get points, and to remain among the best
"Yesterday I was very angry with my team, but today they prepared well and reacted as they were supposed to," said 49-year-old selector from Jesenice, who during his conversation with journalists often mentioned the introductory defeat against Belarus, the less than satisfactory performance of the team, and the lost opportunity. "It was much better than the day before. But too often our performance is just pleasing, while what we need are points! Otherwise it might turn ugly," were the words of Kopitar, who is still waiting for the second victory among the elite - it was the 11th consecutive defeat for Slovenia when playing against the best of the 16 hockey national teams.
A number of changes gave impetus to lynxes
For the Sunday match the selector carried out his announcement of a number of changes, and modified the position of players within the team. Luka Gračnar started in the goal, defender Andrej Tavželj remained on the stands, and Žiga Pavlin entered the game. The attacks were changed, with the exception of Robar-Gregorc; Jeglič-Tičar-Sabolič; they however lost the position of the first attack and the first defence pair. "When Jan Urbas gets well, more changes will be made," Kopitar announced; he was moderately satisfied with the results the changes brought.