Anton Burdasov: "We want to give the fans something to be positive about"

HC SKA forward Anton Burdasov:

- We have been training productively over the course of the past month. It was a bit difficult for us during our friendly matches in Saint Petersburg last week, but we feel a lot better today. We are full of energy and are ready to show our best ice hockey.

- How difficult will it be for you to compete in the playoffs after practically a second pre-season?

- This is why we played in three games at home in preparation for the playoffs. We will improve with every passing match.

- As one of SKA's leaders, do you feel the responsibility both on and off the ice? How is the mood within the group?

- We have an excellent atmosphere in the group. We have a great team, all of our players are leaders.

- Are you speaking about the situation regarding the Russian national team?

- We are only focused on the KHL Gagarin Cup playoffs. I am not really watching the news, but I'm aware that Russia have been banned from the World Championship. I've spent the whole season focusing on SKA, so the most important thing for me is our upcoming games. The same can be said for all of our guys, including those who were at the Olympic Games. Sport should always be left out of politics.

- Not long ago, Salavat Yulaev Ufa forward Alexander Kadeikin stated that the main thing now is for ice hockey players to provide a distraction for the general public and give them something to cheer about. Can SKA do this?

- Even when we had friendly matches, a lot of our fans came to the Ice Palace. Hopefully, it will be a sold-out stadium in the playoffs. We want the people who attend our games to not think about the news. We will try to give the supporters positive emotions, and inside our group we have agreed not to pay attention to anything else. We are only thinking about our team and the playoffs.

- What are you expecting against Dinamo Minsk?

- Minsk have a quick, mobile team, they have a lot of strong foreign players. Despite us winning the series 4-1 in the first round last year, it was a tough battle. I would like to invite the fans to our matches, we will try to display fast, attack-minded ice hockey while also competing solidly in defence.