Konstantin Shafranov speaks after beating Vityaz in Balashikha

HC SKA coach Konstantin Shafranov:

- This was a difficult match for us directly from the beginning. I would like to give the guys credit for not giving up, we continued attacking throughout the game. We took the initiative in the second stanza, before we subsequently managed to score in the third and then take the penalty shootout.

- SKA were poor during the maiden 40 minutes. Did this happen because of the recent disappointing results?

- The defeats could have applied pressure on the guys, especially the losses at home in Saint Petersburg. Nevertheless, there hasn't been any negativity within the group, and everyone was really fired up on the bench today. There was a feeling that we were eventually going to score our goals in this game. Furthermore, I would like to thank our travelling fans for their fantastic support!

- You played without the head coach today. How did the players react to this situation?

- Calmly.

- Is Pavel Moisevich now your first choice goalkeeper?

- The head coach and goalkeeping coach make the decisions when it comes to the goaltenders, it's not down to me.