Igor Larionov speaks after playing Severstal at the Ice Palace

HC SKA head coach Igor Larionov:

“This match contained plenty of emotions! I congratulated our guys with the point which we earned, because we had to work hard in order to equalise. Even though not everything went our way, we continued giving our all, searching for opportunities and looking for how we could get back in the game. One point is always better than none.”

Lack of goals between these two sides…

“Both goalkeepers were excellent. Regardless of how hard you try and the different skill moves which you put together, sometimes you’re playing a goaltender who is producing his best performance of the season. Hopefully, we will score more goals against Cherepovets in March.”

Why he used his young players in the closing stages…

“We don’t want age to be used as an excuse. Yes, the two Matveis – Korotky and Polyakov – are still in their early 20s, but they are already becoming key senior-team players who decide the outcomes of games. We’re happy that they’re receiving vital experience which is impossible to gain at training.”

HC Severstal Cherepovets head coach Andrei Kozyrev:

“I would like to thank our fans who provided us with fantastic support inside the arena. In terms of the game itself, we earned a good team win. We couldn’t hold on in the third period, but we were strong in overtime and scored more goals than SKA in the penalty shootout.”

Conceding with only 15 seconds remaining…

“As a consequence of having lost a lot of energy while playing shorthanded, we conceded that particular goal.”

Lack of goals when facing SKA…

“You can see just how well the goalkeepers are performing! It was a brilliant game in which both teams created plenty of scoring chances. Alexander Skorenov? Naturally enough, you play with extra motivation when facing your former club.”

Ruslan Abrosimov acting as captain…

“He’s a true professional who brings the team together, leads by example and shows everyone just how hard you need to work. His work ethic is brilliant.”

Ivan Okunev’s arrival from CSKA Moscow…

“We know that he possesses a superb skills set; this is why we signed him. It’s tough for him at the moment, as he needs time to adapt to how we play. We aren’t going to rush the process.”