Roman Rotenberg speaks after beating Lokomotiv in Yaroslavl

HC SKA head coach Roman Rotenberg:

- Lokomotiv are a systematic team which compete in an organised, structural manner. This was a big challenge for us. Our guys fought hard for each other, blocked pucks, followed the game plan and showed character. However, we must start playing better in the closing stages of matches. Mikhail Vorobyov was selfish when he iced the puck in the final seconds, there wasn't any need to shoot towards the empty net in that situation. Instead, we should have calmly seen the game out. Emotionally this was a tough match, but physically we're in excellent shape. We'll now prepare to face CSKA Moscow at home on Monday.

- SKA only tallied 12 shots on target today.

- We had lost a lot of emotions in our preceding games. Nevertheless, we competed professionally and in accordance with our system. Some of our guys dropped out of the match, so we decided to move down to three lines in the third period. The main thing is the score! We must give our guys credit today, they displayed great commitment, blocked pucks and were solid shorthanded. We now have to prepare for our next match. By the way, I would like to thank our fans for their fantastic support here in Yaroslavl!

- This was the second match in quick succession when SKA conceded in the final second of regulation time after losing a faceoff draw. Aren't you worried about this?

- It didn't happen today.

- Well, it was a controversial moment with Lokomotiv seeing their goal disallowed.

- No, it wasn't controversial. The linesman immediately raised his hand to indicate a foul.

- SKA did lose a lot of faceoffs in this game.

- Yes, I do agree with this assessment. We'll work on our faceoffs at training. Of course, we do have to give credit to the opponents, Lokomotiv possess very strong centre forwards. It was a challenge for us.

- This game reminded us of matches between the USSR and Czechoslovakia. Was your plan to sit back and wait for counter-attack opportunities?

- We never play to sit back and compete without the initiative. Due to the fact that we were always leading, we made adjustments to our approach. We must bear in mind that fatigue is playing its part as a result of the demanding schedule.

- SKA have now won two consecutive games in Yaroslavl. Would you like to compete against Lokomotiv in the Gagarin Cup playoffs?

- As I always say, we really enjoy playing against Lokomotiv and all other leading KHL clubs. We witnessed ice hockey of the highest level today, and for that we have to thank Lokomotiv. It was a playoff-like match. We're full of desire to achieve victories, our guys have plenty of fire in their eyes.