Igor Larionov speaks after defeating Admiral away

HC SKA head coach Igor Larionov:

“I would like to congratulate our team with this victory. It was a really difficult game for us due to many reasons, but I’m grateful to our players for the courage which they displayed. Furthermore, I would also like to note that it’s great to play at the Fetisov Arena here in Vladivostok, which carries the name of my dear friend Vyacheslav Fetisov. Even after we had lost leading defenseman Trevor Murphy to injury, we continued playing for each other with commitment.”

How the team feels after flying to Vladivostok…

“Despite factors such as the long flight and time difference, we don’t want to use excuses. We’re taking it game by game. As I have already said, I’m proud of the players today for their qualities which they displayed; it was challenging for them after we lost Murphy. We played good ice hockey and earned the two points.”

If SKA could have taken advantage of more rebounds given up by the home goalkeeper…

“When playing in the Far East, it’s vital to compete with concentration and focus. Our guys improved, took the match into the own hands and made simple, rational decisions.”

SKA’s excellent recent form…

“If we look back at the start of the season, we lost a lot of close games either in the closing stages or in overtime. Nonetheless, since the opening weeks of the campaign, the guys have improved, understood how we want to play and have started achieving positive results. Even when we have lots of injuries, our players are playing with chemistry. We have to be consistent, though.”