Alexei Kudashov: "Any opponent can spring a surprise"

- How do you feel before starting the new KHL home series?

- We are ready for work. After the New Year break, we have played well, and we are ready for the next game.

- Do SKA have a goal of winning the Kontinental Cup?

- Our goal is to win every match. We'll see how things work out when the season reaches its completion, but for today, our task is to beat Vityaz Podolsk.

- With which seed would you like to enter the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs?

- It's always important to have home advantage. We take it from game to game.

- Are you expecting any surprises from Vityaz?

- We have a plan for every match, however the opponents can always spring a surprise. Vityaz's style is well known and their head coach likes stability. We certainly take into account that they're in excellent form, they were two seconds away from beating HC CSKA Moscow. We know how Valery Belov prepares for matches.

- Will Vityaz play on the counterattack?

- Their tactics will become known during the match. The vast majority of teams focus on defence in Saint Petersburg and wait for counterattack opportunities.

- Alexei Kruchinin has been playing for SKA-Neva.

- He received an injury and has recovered there. He will return to the SKA first team.