SKA - Kunlun Red Star. Press-conference

HC SKA head coach Roman Rotenberg:

- Kunlun started the game strongly, they created a lot of difficulties for us. We knew that they were coming off the back of a dramatic win in Belarus where they defeated Dinamo Minsk 5:2 after trailing 0:2. Our task today was to qualify for the Gagarin Cup playoffs, and our guys did a great job to achieve this. I would like to congratulate everyone with our qualification! We have a lot of hard work ahead of us.

- How does Zakhar Bardakov feel? He left the game with an injury.

- Unfortunately, the puck struck him in the face on the crease. Zakhar is a true fighter, he always plays with plenty of commitment and character. After discussing his injury with the doctors, we'll decide when he can return.

- Yesterday, you tried out the ice at the new SKA Arena. What did you make of it?

- Our colleagues are working day and night to ensure that the stadium will become our home. When we initially started working at the Ice Palace, it wasn't our home either. It became our home because of our passionate fans and everyone who works with us! We will ensure that the SKA Arena feels like home as soon as possible.

Furthermore, as a consequence of the stadium's large capacity, even more people will be able to purchase tickets for our matches. I remember that in 2015 when we played Ak Bars Kazan in the final, more than 300 thousand people wanted to buy tickets! All details concerning the ice, ventilation and the boards will be taken into consideration before we start playing there in February. A few years ago, the NHL decided against using such boards because of the way the puck rebounded off them, but we will find a solution to this issue. It's wonderful that Russia now boasts the world's largest ice hockey arena, our young players are striving to play at such large stadiums!

- 18-year-old defenseman Ivan Remezovsky made his KHL debut today.

- We chose Remezovsky to replace Ivan Vydrenkov who sadly couldn't participate in this game. All SKA teams play in accordance with the same system, so there's no problem in calling players up from our youth sides. I know Remezovsky well, I used to watch him play in Moscow before he signed for SKA. Remezovsky is a really talented player, and he was excellent today. I'm sure that he will display his best qualities in the KHL! I would also like to point out how well Pavel Moisevich played in our net, he pulled off a number of big saves in the first period. Pavel is progressing very quickly.

- Teenage forwards Ivan Demidov and Amir Nugmanov are starring for SKA-1946 in the MHL. Will they receive a chance in the KHL this season?

- We're keeping tabs on everyone's progression. We are watching all of our youth players' development, both those playing for SKA-1946 and SKA-Junior in Krasnogorsk. We are very happy that our young guys are striving to develop and progress.

HC Kunlun Red Star head coach Viktor Ignatyev:

- We expected SKA to compete with the advantage in the first period. It was a challenge for us, but we were presented with 1-on-1 chances. However, their goaltender made the important saves for his team. We took too many penalties, and SKA managed to grind us down with their pressing in the second frame. Nonetheless, I would like to thank our guys for their effort, this was our third game in four days. We did have a chance to earn points today.

- Do you still have motivation to try and qualify for the playoffs?

- Yes, of course. Since childhood, we have all wanted to earn the opportunity to play in the decisive championship matches. We will try and win every game.

HC SKA forward Stepan Starkov:

- Yes, we didn't start too well today, but then we improved and played our brand of ice hockey. We can be satisfied with our performance in the second and third periods.

HC SKA forward Valentin Zykov:

- It was a difficult game for us. Kunlun played aggressively right from the off, they pressed us and played in a physical manner. In the second frame, we managed to score our goals and win the match.