SKA - Medvescak. Press-conference

HC Medvescak Zagreb head coach Gordie Dwyer:

- First of all, congratulations to Saint Petersburg for the three points. Their execution was impressive, and their best players were just that - their best players tonight. In saying that, we knew that we would have to be at our best to pull out an upset here, I thought that we played well and had some chances in the first period. But, they always seemed to be able to find that timely goal. Their third goal at the end of the second was the game's turning point. I hoped that the video review would show one of their players skating right into the crease prior to the goal, I pleaded my case but to no avail. It was a big goal by Saint Petersburg, we knew that heading into the third period we couldn't give up the next goal, and unfortunately, we made a couple of giveaways. They forced us into some uncharacteristic errors and took advantage. They played a great game, we will now turn the page and get ready for the next game.

HC SKA head coach Oleg Znarok:

- We didn't have a great first period, we let Medvescak have a lot of counterattacks. We played poorly in defence, the opponents attacked dangerously and we're lucky that they didn't score. It's good that we won before the break.

- Both Igor Shestyorkin and Mikko Koskinen are in fantastic form. Will Evgeny Ivannikov be given a chance?

- I don't know yet. It's great that we have two excellent goalkeepers.

- It looked as though the players called up to the national team had grown wings.

- I haven't noticed, I will have a look in the dressing room.

- What needs to be done in order to keep the players in shape?

- We will travel to Novogorsk for a serious training camp. I won't be there, but two coaches will stay as well as our physical trainer. I don't think that there will be any problems.

- Having lost in Zagreb, was this a very important match?

- Every game is important. We failed to win there, but we came out on top today.

- Will it be tough to switch to the national team? The players will have a rest while you work.

- Well, what can I do? Such is life.