SKA - Spartak. Press-conference

HC Spartak Moscow head coach Oleg Znarok:

- Are you confident that Spartak can qualify for the Gagarin Cup playoffs?

- Yes, of course I'm confident. It's funny to even be asked such a question.

- Spartak had lots of opportunities to score. Why couldn't your players take advantage of them?

- The situation in the standings is putting pressure on us. However, despite that fact, we should have used at least half of our chances.

- Are you satisfied with the quality of Spartak's performance?

- The answer to such a question always depends on the result. If we could have scored, things would be different now.

HC SKA head coach Valeri Bragin:

- We performed well today. The team worked hard, the goalkeeper was excellent, and we scored the required goals. Yes, our penalties resulted in a nervy end to proceedings, but overall it was a solid performance.

- How does Vasily Podkolzin feel?

- We haven't got any details yet. We will analyse his condition tomorrow.

- Did you use your time-out in the second period because of that particularly long shift?

- Yes, you're right. Evgeny Ketov had also blocked a powerful shot.

- How does the team feel after the international break?

- The first match after a break is always difficult. In terms of their physical condition, the players felt fine.

- Nikita Chibrikov has participated in four matches in four consecutive days, but he was even used on the penalty kill today.

- He always competes on the penalty kill for us. Nikita will have a rest now, but if he subsequently feels fine, he will be included in the line-up again.