SKA - Avtomobilist. Press-conference

HC Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg head coach Vladimir Krikunov:

- We warned the players to be careful and not to take penalties. Unfortunately, we took penalties at the start of the game and conceded goals. After that, we didn't believe that we could turn the match around. However, we did have chances. Our goals were scored when the game was practically over.

- Six players were left on the sidelines for this match. Why?

- We have to rotate the squad.

- Last year, you also gave four players a rest for the game against SKA.

- It was time for them to have a break. However, I think that they will compete in the matches against the two Dynamos.

- Why has Oleg Znarok's team started so well?

- It couldn't have been a bad start with such a team. They prepared well.

- Last year, Igor Ustinsky was the hero for Avtomobilist against SKA. Don't you regret sending him to the VHL?

- He is a young player, and if he doesn't have ice time, we will lose him for the future. We're counting on him. In his previous match, he conceded three goals but saved a lot of shots. He will play in our team.

HC SKA head coach Oleg Znarok:

- It was a great match, it's good that we scored immediately after conceding a goal. We knew that we hadn't beaten Avtomobilist for two years. I congratulate everyone with our victory.

- Last year, you stated that Vladimir Krikunov was your teacher. Does this make it more of an emotional victory?

- We spoke before the match this morning.

- What's Vladimir Krikunov's secret? He has been working in ice hockey for a number of years.

- We don't have many of the great coaches left. When I worked in the Latvian national team, he helped me by being a consultant. I have learnt a lot from him.