SKA - HC Sochi. Press-conference

HC Sochi head coach Alexander Andrievsky:

- I think that we produced a good performance, we had a lot of chances. The guys did really well in all zones. We had plenty of shots, but maybe we didn't block the goalkeeper's view enough, he saw the puck coming towards him. Nevertheless, despite the defeat, I would like to thank the players for their commitment which they displayed throughout the entire match. Unfortunately, we couldn't equalise.

Interim HC SKA head coach Roman Rotenberg:

- The guys did a good job, they stuck to the game plan. We tried hard and the penalty kill was good. During the first 10 minutes, SKA displayed ice hockey of a high quality. However, we subsequently struggled physically, not all of the players have recovered yet. This makes this victory even more important for the team. The coaches have undertaken a lot of work to make sure that the players recover, and I would like to point out that young players of the SKA system were excellent today, they displayed good ice hockey. 10 minutes aren't enough, though, we need to play well throughout the entire 60 minutes of regulation time. We are happy with the victory, I thank everyone for the support. I would like to dedicate this win to our players and coaches who are currently ill. We are waiting for them to return!

- SKA conceded two late goals. Was this because of a lack of concentration?

- We need to speak about our team's functional state. Before the game against Magnitogorsk, we only had one training session. We only trained twice ahead of this match with Sochi, that isn't enough to cope with the demands of this sport. As you know, we like to play total ice hockey, competing in an aggressive manner and constantly attacking. Naturally, we want to continue playing in this way, but the current physical condition of the players doesn't allow for this. The two Sochi goals in the closing minutes arrived as a result of a lack of concentration, yes. This is unacceptable, but you have to remember that they have barely trained. I think that we will have enough time to prepare in the correct way to play against Dynamo Moscow. The situation is positive now with the players returning, so it was very important to win today.

- Why did Yakov Trenin replace Linden Vey in the first powerplay unit?

- We have two powerplay units. Yakov is effective on the crease, he creates traffic in front of the goalkeeper. We were lacking this against Magnitogorsk, and we still need more of it. Both Magnitogorsk and Sochi have good goalkeepers, so in order to score, you must block their view. When Anton Burdasov scored, Trenin was in front of the goaltender. Yakov netted a goal of his own too, he played a big role in the triumph.

- Will there be changes for the match against Dynamo Moscow?

- We will look at the training process. Everyone on the ice today fully deserved their place in the line-up. We have good competition within the team, only the best players will compete. Our young players have particularly been impressive. I would like to thank our doctors, they are working around the clock to make sure that our players are healthy. I wish health to everyone!