Alexey Ponikarovsky: "We have to keep playing the same hockey"

- Nikolai Belov and Vadim Shipachyov were both left laying on the ice. Why was it such a rough game?

- I can't comment on how they feel, you will have to ask the doctors. This is the playoffs, everyone is playing at their maximum, fighting hard, and as a result injuries occur.

- Do you feel that you are firm favourites now?

- No, I wouldn't say that. You always need to respect your opponents. Ak Bars play fast, aggressive hockey, and we need to keep on playing like we have done in these first two games.

- SKA were very solid defensively, but will you be able to do the same in Saint Petersburg where you will be urged to charge forward?

- It's always nice to play at home, but I don't think that it will change much for us. We should just keep playing the same hockey. Defensive play decides a lot, and we should keep on blocking large numbers of shots. Mikko Koskinen was great today, but all the guys fought allowing us to win 1:0.

- How has the team reacted to reports of serious salary bonuses for getting into the final?

- It's not a question for me to answer. I don't know who could make such a statement, if I'm honest. I can't answer that.

- But are there bonuses?

- We receive our wages, just like everyone else. I can't comment on other issues.

- Does this not add pressure though?

- I don't know, but for me personally it doesn't add pressure. I'm not interested in gossip. We are all professional hockey players, and we should just do our job on the ice.