Press conference following game three against CSKA

HC SKA head coach Igor Larionov:

"I would like to thank our players for their commitment and character which they showed. It was a nervy end to the game, but we're pleased that we've taken the first step in this series. We will now prepare for Sunday."

Decision to play Sergei Ivanov...

"We decided to give Artemiy Pleshkov a rest after two tough games in Moscow. Just like Artemiy and Yegor Zavragin, Sergei has been excellent for us this season. Taking into account our situation, it was a new challenge for Sergei today. After all, there is a big difference between being 1-2 or 0-3 down in a playoff series. Overall, we played the right way today and competed with discipline."

Change of approach after the two Moscow matches...

"We want to play exciting ice hockey. However, when you're playing against a team like CSKA, you have to be flexible and patient."

Andrei Pedan's late penalty...

"He could have just swatted the puck out of the air with his glove, but instead he decided to take control of it and put it on his stick. When you're involved in an emotional game, these things happen. Thankfully, the situation ended without us conceding. Andrei understands everything for himself."

Reasons behind changing three of the four lines...

"We wanted to use a dynamic approach. In order to add pace to Mikhail Vorobyov's line, we included Vladislav Romanov. As you know, Matvei Korotky had previously played in a line with Matvei Polyakov and Marat Khairullin. We haven't got the biggest squad, so this is why we put Nikita Nedopyokin in a line with Joe Blandisi and Rocco Grimaldi. They've all got chemistry together."

Possibility of Pavel Koledov returning...

"Yes, there is a chance. Our doctors are working hard."

Faceoff improvement...

"Faceoffs form a vital component of modern ice hockey. CSKA are great at faceoffs, especially when collecting second pucks. They were always the first to win second pucks after faceoffs. Nevertheless, we showed our guys where they can improve. If you win the faceoff, you control possession and the game. It's really important, of course, not to lose the faceoffs inside your own zone."

Issue of only scoring one goal...

"Whether you win 6:1 or 1:0, the result gives you the opportunity to move forward. We have to remember that we're facing a top team which doesn't give you many chances to score."

HC CSKA Moscow head coach Igor Nikitin:

"We lost because we didn't play three periods at our level."

On his defensemen not applying pressure on SKA in the third period...

"If an opposing defenseman is controlling the situation in his own zone, why should we jump on him? We're competing against a quality team with quality forwards. Why give them extra space?"

What went wrong this evening...

"We didn't ask enough questions of the Saint Petersburg defence during the maiden two frames. If you don't come under pressure, you have more energy to attack. SKA are a strong side with quality; you can't allow them to play to their strengths."

Lack of goals...

"You need to deserve goals, and we didn't today."