Ilya Kovalchuk: "We will continue playing the same way"

- It looked as though it was SKA's first perfect match of the season.

- No, I wouldn't say that. However, we did play well and Igor Shestyorkin made big saves at the right time. We're happy with this victory. Nevertheless, a tough game is coming up against CSKA, we know how important it will be.

- Do you remember your maximum amount of hat tricks in one campaign?

- Not exactly, but it was more than two. We will try to continue playing in the same way.

- What happened for the first goal?

- I got lucky. I made a pass on to the crease, and a Slovan defenseman deflected it in off his skate. You have to shoot in order to score.

- What can you say about Slovan's fans?

- While speaking to Slovak journalists, I pointed out that this was the first time that we were given an ovation after an away game. We know that they have good fans here with an excellent stadium, the supporters are close to the ice. Hopefully, the KHL will have more such arenas in the future.

- After losing in overtime in Croatia, how important is such a big win before playing CSKA Moscow?

- We had a serious meeting after the match in Zagreb. It's pointless to blame someone for that loss, we have to look at things as a group. We made the right conclusions.