SKA - Spartak. Press-conference

HC SKA head coach Roman Rotenberg:

- It was an exciting game, our guys competed with a spark. We followed the game plan well, but a few mistakes were committed. Spartak have their backs to the wall, they're fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Games like this one are helping us to develop. Ahead of our next match on Friday, we have an opportunity to rest and recover. I would like to thank our players for their commitment, this is a true team win. We blocked a lot of pucks when competing shorthanded. This is a good sign for us, we can see that we have character within the group. Thank you to our fans for the wonderful support.

- Why didn't Nikolai Prokhorkin play?

- Everything is going according to plan. Nikolai is preparing for the next game, there aren't any problems with him. We have to be careful when selecting players for our matches, we don't want to overexert them. I am really grateful to our medical team who are doing a fantastic job with all of our injured players, all of our guys are blocking pucks with their bodies while displaying brilliant commitment.

- What can you say about Svyatoslav Grebenshchikov's performance?

- Svyatoslav progressed through our academy. He initially started out with the SKA Peterhof youth team with Alexander Barabanov, and the pair have a lot in common when it comes to their style of playing the game and their skating. Nine years after making his debut for the senior SKA team, Svyatoslav scored his maiden goal for us. Furthermore, it was the winning goal! He always competes with a lot of character. We're happy that he's returned to our system, we want to help him improve.

- SKA defended solidly when playing 3-on-5.

- We have been playing shorthanded on a regular basis in our recent games. Our discipline must improve. Spartak unleashed a lot of shots, and Marat Khusnutdinov took one for the team when blocking a powerful effort. All of our guys are prepared to put their bodies in front of pucks, they're team players. Special teams are crucial if you want to win matches.

HC Spartak Moscow head coach Igor Grishin:

- As a consequence of our players being young, they're starting games without the belief that they can compete on an even footing with teams like SKA. Nonetheless, I liked how we subsequently tried to turn the tide and apply pressure on the hosts. Two goals are never enough against SKA in Saint Petersburg, so we lost.

- What factors did you focus on after playing against SKA here in late December?

- We studied that match and how SKA play against other teams, nothing special. We know SKA well because we often play with them.

- Asides from your powerplay, what other aspects aren't you satisfied with today?

- As I have already said, I wasn't happy with how we started the game. Our young players are lacking experience. The same thing happened against Lokomotiv in Yaroslavl on Sunday, but in that particular match we managed to score our goals and win. Our players are lacking confidence when playing against the top KHL teams.

- All of your last nine KHL matches have been played on the road. How has this experience been for you as a coach?

- We were at home for the New Year break. Even though the hotels and facilities are great, it's tough psychologically to play on the road for so long. The majority of our opponents were from the top half of the standings, but we're not happy with the results which we've achieved during this period.

- Why were Spartak so poor on the powerplay?

- We needed more quality. Luck also plays its part.

HC SKA defenseman Nikita Kamalov:

- Both teams fought hard for the win. Even when they were 0:2 down, Spartak attacked with energy. We held on, scored our goals and emerged victorious.

HC SKA forward Svyatoslav Grebenshchikov:

- It was a tense game today. All of our players gave it their all, blocking pucks and receiving injuries. I think that we deserved this hard-fought victory.

- You have finally scored a goal for the senior SKA team. How do you feel?

- It's fantastic to score in front of our amazing fans! The weight has been taken off my shoulders, so hopefully I will now play with more confidence. The main thing is to believe in yourself and play for the team. Did I take the puck? No, you only normally take the puck for your first KHL goal, and I had previously scored for different teams in this league.