Player reaction after playing CSKA at the Ice Palace

HC SKA defenseman Andrei Pedan:

"The fourth CSKA goal which we conceded? In my opinion, we made a mistake during that particular play. We needed to communicate better there. Nonetheless, we have to give credit to Daniel Sprong too, he unleashed an accurate shot. And, when you're playing 5-on-3, it's always a great chance to score. 

"How has the training process changed? Our coaches believe in the system, and us players do too. In order to deserve good fortune, you have to work hard. We can't lose the duels.

"I've got a problem with my discipline because I've taken penalties in three consecutive games? I have taken penalties in two straight matches, not three. Let's get the facts right. I don't think that there is a big problem with discipline. The referees make the calls, not us. Penalties are a part of ice hockey."

HC SKA defenseman Nikita Zaitsev:

"How can we get back to winning ways? Everything depends on hard work and determination. During my career, I've been a part of teams which have won 20 games in a row, and also teams which have lost 10 on the bounce. The only way to get out of this situation is to work hard. 

"We struggled physically in the third period? No, I wouldn't say that. Third periods are always difficult because you spend a lot of energy in the second stanzas of matches."

HC SKA forward Sergei Plotnikov:

"What did we speak about in the dressing room? About how we can haul ourselves out of the situation which we find ourselves in. Right now, there a lot of questions and not enough answers. The next game will show just how prepared we are to turn it around. How ready we are to win, even when the victory doesn't want to come to us. How ready we are to block pucks with our bodies and compete with desire. We have one goal, and we need one victory.

"Difficulties as a consequence of switching systems in the summer? No, I don't understand this at all. We can't adapt to the new system? That's ridiculous. If a player can't adapt to a different way of playing, then what kind of player is he? We have to work hard and want to win every duel, every shift. Victories consist of small details.

"Do we have some players who aren't giving their all? What kind of team would we have if I began saying that we have bad players who don't work hard? We lost as a team today. 

"Bad luck? It would be silly to use this as an excuse. We've lost confidence when it comes to shooting the puck. Instead of shooting, we're always looking to make passes. We need to simplify our game, start shooting more and search for the rebounds. Beautiful goals will come after we begin scoring the scrappy ones."