Harijs Vitolins speaks before playing CSKA Moscow in the KHL playoffs

- Are you nervous before the KHL Western Conference final?

- We're focused. We know that we're playing against a strong opponent, SKA have played against them before and both teams know each other well. I think that it will be an interesting series.

- You know a lot of CSKA Moscow's players and their head coach Igor Nikitin works with you in the Russian national team. How has this affected your preparations?

- The small details will decide the outcome. We play the same style of ice hockey. We have different players, but everyone will play in an identical manner. We have things which need to be improved and changed.

- CSKA had a longer series against Jokerit. Will this be a factor?

- I don't think so, they have managed to recover. We won't think about their possible fatigue, they have a long bench and will be in good shape. We're preparing to play against a physically strong team.

- What are CSKA's strengths?

- Physically they are strong. CSKA put the pressure on opponents and we try to do the same. The teams will play attacking ice hockey. Maybe CSKA will compete in more of a physical style, but we also have enough physical players.

- After winning game five against Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, did you watch the overtime between CSKA and Jokerit?

- Yes, I think everyone had time.

- What did you think about their fifth match?

- It's one thing to watch on television, but it's different on the bench. Any mistake can prove vital. CSKA were better than Jokerit, but one shot decided the match.

- Are you preparing SKA's players to play six overtime periods?

- No, I don't think anyone's doing that. All teams want to win games in regulation. The main thing is to be physically prepared to play long matches.

- CSKA goalkeeper Ilya Sorokin is in fantastic form. Do you forwards know how to play against him?

- All players have information about Ilya Sorokin. Everything depends on them.

- Are all of SKA's players ready to play CSKA Moscow?

- Yes, we have a large squad too and everyone's ready. It's hard choosing which players take to the ice and who will wait for their chance.

- Roman Rukavishnikov trained today.

- Yes, but he's the only player who isn't ready to play yet.

- Vadim Shipachyov was in the fifth line. Won't he play in the series?

- We have two days before the series starts, we have new ideas every day. Let's wait until the matches begin.

- Which goalkeeper will start the series?

- I don't want to speak about that today, the first game will take place on Thursday. All players are ready to compete.

- Why isn't the powerplay working?

- We're lacking a finishing touch. We are creating opportunities, but we need to shoot more accurately and make decisions faster. In the playoffs, you have less time to make decisions than in the regular season. We're working on this to improve.