Sergei Shirokov and Alexei Ponikarovsky speak about the match with Jokerit

Sergei Shirokov:

- I wouldn't say that this is the most important game of the championship. However, it is important because the playoffs are coming up. There is a possibility that we will face these opponents in the first round, and as a result this match will be difficult. We will see if the break in the league has helped us.

- How have you been training before this game?

- Everything's fine. We did a range of exercises, and we are preparing as we do for any other game.

- You have been in one line with Vadim Shipachyov and Evgeny Dadonov. Have you built up mutual understanding?

- There are no problems. The line combinations are often changed, the coaches have decided to do this. Hopefully it will help us.

Alexei Ponikarovsky:

- This match with Jokerit can decide where we will finish in the Western Conference. This is an important game, and we should be ready for it. We have had more than a week to prepare, and we have had time to correct mistakes. We're going to fight.

- What do you need to do in order to beat Jokerit?

- We know that they skate well. Jokerit have players who hold the puck well and shoot hard. We need to play fast, not lose in one on one duels and crash the net: if we shoot a lot, the goals will come.

- How did the train during the week off?

- I think that everything went well. We prepared, worked a bit and rested. Now the team is in optimal form to play these final two games before the playoffs.

- Are Jokerit one of your most important opponents?

- Of course, we are fighting for position in the table. Games against each other have always been big, and I think that they will continue to be important.

- SKA could play against Jokerit in the first round of the playoffs. How would you feel about that?

- In reality, it's not important. We have two games to play first, we can't guess what is going to happen in the playoffs.