Igor Larionov speaks after playing Lokomotiv away

HC SKA head coach Igor Larionov:

"First of all, I would like to congratulate the opponents with their victory. At the same time, I'm proud of how our guys competed. We were close to saving the game. Unfortunately, luck turned against us. Nevertheless, if we look at the match as a whole and the quality of our performance, there are more positives for us to take away. We have to continue believing, work hard and keep our heads up."

What happened after equalising at 2:2...

"I don't want to point the finger at anymore for the third Yaroslavl goal, we've already analysed it. We lacked concentration at the decisive moment. As I have previously said, we're losing too many matches in the closing stages. With all due respect to Lokomotiv, they didn't deserve this victory; SKA dominated.

"The most disappointing thing is that the guys fought hard, searched for ways to get to the Lokomotiv net, but end up conceding goals which we never score ourselves. Even though we played well, we're leaving empty-handed."

Debuts of Ignat Lutfullin and Nikita Nedopyokin...

"It was a difficult match in which to make their debuts. After all, we played against the reigning champions. Before the match, we had told them to remember that it's just ice hockey, there's no need to overthink it. I think that they both played well."

Why Nikolai Goldobin didn't play...

"Concentration, competition and work ethic. These are the only reasons why he didn't play today. Right now, he's losing the competition."