Igor Larionov speaks after playing Avtomobilist away

HC SKA head coach Igor Larionov:

"I congratulate the opponents with their victory. Unfortunately, I've been saying these words too often recently. Nevertheless, it was a good match, and we managed to earn a point against a tough team. We now have a few days to prepare for our upcoming home series."

Rumours of being sacked...

"I don't know who has been speaking about this. Everyone has their own opinion and the right to voice it. It shouldn't affect me at all. Our process is continuing. We produced a strong performance in Yaroslavl, and we played well today except for the penalties which we took. I can't see any major problems. The main thing is that the guys don't feel the pressure, because we believe in all of our players. As for any pressure on me from the top; I can only feel support."

When Nikolai Goldobin will return...

"Nikolai has started working hard at training. Any player's talent should be supported by excellent work ethic, and we're trying to get this message across to Goldobin. He worked hard both on the ice and in the gym individually across the last couple of days. Hopefully, we will see him during our home series."

Why SKA aren't capitalising on counter-attacks...

"To be honest, this is worrying me. We're creating great chances to score, but we are not capitalising on them. Either our confidence has gone, or the goalkeepers are playing brilliantly. Before this match, I told the players that any kind of victory will give them confidence. We're close to overcoming our tension and disappointing form."

Issue of Avtomobilist applying pressure in the second stanza...

"The second period is always different for all teams. We didn't panic, we were compact and and refrained from skating around the ice. Yes, the opponents did have shots, and their fans roared them on. Our penalties resulted in Avtomobilist gaining the initiative and us losing our momentum. Penalties affect the overall performance level."

Matter of Igor Larionov Junior and Matvei Korotky switching positions...

"They make the decisions between each other as to who will take the faceoff draws. When faceoffs didn't take place, Matvei continued playing on the flank and Igor competed as the centre forward. A right-handed player finds it easier to win the battle in the corners on the left side of our zone."