SKA - CSKA. Press-conference of game one

HC CSKA Moscow head coach Igor Nikitin:

- It was a tough match. Not everything worked, but the main thing is that the guys had desire and belief. They did a great job by winning the game. However, we understand who we're playing against. We're preparing for the next match.

- In the previous matches, Andrei Kuzmenko didn't have much playing time. Did you protect him for the decisive games?

- There are a few reasons. Our roster is different. This is his first KHL playoffs, we needed to gradually introduce him. He was great today and needs to keep this level of performance.

- SKA equalised quickly. Did you lose concentration?

- This is our mistake but SKA are a difficult opponent. Both factors had their say.

- What magic tablet did you give your players before the second period? Will the WADA officers come knocking on your door?

- To be honest, I don't know how to reply. There is no magic involved. Ice hockey depends on the players' quality.

- Do CSKA have enough strength to continue so strongly?

- The next matches will show whether we do.

- It was said that Sergei Shumakov will start training on Friday. Will we see him on Saturday?

- I didn't say that.

- No, someone else did.

- It would be better to ask them that question.

HC SKA head coach Oleg Znarok:

- I agree, it was a difficult game between two good teams. We made poor mistakes in the second period. We'll prepare for the next match.

- Why didn't Vadim Shipachyov play? Maybe because of the high competition within the team or injury?

- We gave Vadim a rest.