SKA - Atlant. Press-conference

HC Atlant head coach Alexey Kudashov:

- We had a united team, a set goal, and we wanted to fulfill it. It was clear how we were pumped up for the game, and we have everything. The most important thing was that we gave 100%, and our plan worked.

HC SKA head coach Vyacheslav Bykov:

- I congratulate my colleague with the victory. Atlant were fresh and they were disciplined, and I can't say that about my team. The only plus point which I can take away from this game is that we had a good desire in the third period, although it wasn't enough to beat the opponents. Every match is hard at the moment as we are meeting with teams who really need the points. It's interesting to see who can walk out with their heads held high, or having to look at themselves in the mirror. We need to know who to count on, and who we can't. This is also a good lesson.

- Are you talking about the fact that some players are holding back? Or is the reason tiredness?

- Everyone is in the same boat. I don't like to search for excuses. About the mirror statement, well every player should look in one after a game. We need to all work together - that's what makes a real team. Even when we made mistakes, everyone else should support one another. Today I felt that the team wanted to win only in the third period, but it was already too late. I regret this. Nevertheless I want to defend our team, and say that booing them will only help the opponents. I understand that they themselves buy tickets and want to win, but the players also want to. I would like everyone to understand this.

- There was a scandal with Ilya Kovalchuk after the previous game. How does the coaching staff feel about this, and has it affected the atmosphere within the team?

- I would like to ask for forgiveness about this situation. When you begin to lose a few matches in a row, you begin to get nerves. But the players should realise that they are professionals. We had a meeting, and I hope that it will never happen again. It's not our image.

- It seems as though the team has no emotions left. What can you do to avoid this in the future?

- In sport, and in life in general, it's impossible without emotions. Each player should find the needed passion within themselves - their job is what they love to do. We're working on this. If you can score a goal, show your class, maybe this will change. There are a lot of factors, but again I am not a fan of looking for excuses. We are all professionals, and we should do what we love to do positively.

- Speak about the injured players.

- Today the team, which we have at the moment, played. We have decided not to call up any more players from SKA-Karelia or SKA-1946 for the time being. You can't play without getting injured.