Readiness in Playoffs: Kozlov Discusses Josh Livos Struggles and Team Performance

The head coach of Salavat Yulaev, **[Viktor Kozlov](https://www.example.com)**, commented on the inconsistent performance of the team’s forward, Josh Leivo, during the 2025 Gagarin Cup playoffs. Salavat lost to Lokomotiv (2-4) in the fifth match of the semifinal series, concluding their season.

It’s worth noting that Leivo missed the first and third games of the Gagarin Cup series against Lokomotiv.

**»Can you clarify the situation regarding Josh Leivo in this series, and in the playoffs in general?»**
— «If he didn’t play today, it means he wasn’t ready to take the ice. In the playoffs, all teams play more aggressively against the leaders, and that’s perfectly normal,» Kozlov stated, as reported by Championship correspondent Lev Lukin.