Roman Rukavishnikov and Viktor Tikhonov before the game with CSKA

Roman Rukavishnikov:

- We're preparing for the game, and everyone is in shape. We understand very well that we can compete for first place, and that we should keep our winning run going.

- It will be the fourth away game in a row. Is it not beginning to get tough?

- I wouldn't say that. We're all training with full commitment, and we are all able to get ready for this game correctly.

- Games against teams like CSKA are easier for SKA than against Torpedo, for example.

- For me our previous game against Torpedo was just like our home game with CSKA - we played in the same manner, and both matches were on the edge.

- What are CSKA's strengths and weaknesses?

- They are in first place - I think that's all I need to say.

- Is it extremely important to win today?

- Any match needs to be won.

- The team was disciplined in Nizhny Novgorod. Can you keep that going today?

- We will try.

Viktor Tikhonov:

- A lot of people have been noting, that SKA have an easier time of it against opponents like CSKA.

- I think that it's always easier to get pumped up when you're facing a big team. All the players understand how these games are important, especially as we really want to overtake CSKA. If we win today, we will be closer to doing this.

- So does that mean that there is a goal to take first place?

- We all want to win and be first, and having home ice advantage in the play-offs always helps.

- Is Alexander Radulov's absence a plus for SKA?

- We're not playing attention to this - we play our own hockey. If he's injured, I hope that he will come back soon. In any case, with attacking teams you have to be very careful in defence.