Ilya Kovalchuk: "We made the right conclusions"

- We made the right conclusions after beginning poorly against Riga. We scored a quick first goal, and then two others followed in the first period.

- In the second stanza, you took the tempo down slightly.

- Yes, although the coach told us what to do during the break. We worked over this at training today, but it didn't quite work out. There is one day before the next game to improve this.

- Was it the fastest goal in your career?

- I don't know. If I'm honest, I don't worry about those things. Before that goal today, we had tried to pull off a similar move in other matches.

- Was the game over as a contest after the first period?

- I wouldn't say that. Before making a comeback against Ak Bars, we were down 1:5. The league's average level has risen, all teams can beat each other.

- What happened with Miro Aaltonen?

- Ice hockey is a physical sport, these things happen.

- Are you disappointed not to achieve a Gordie Howe hat trick?

- Never mind, there are lots of games coming up.

- Overall, is the team satisfied with this run of home matches?

- I think that all of the guys are training well. We have a great physical coach who shows us excellent drills. We've got enough strength.