SKA - Vityaz. Press-conference

HC SKA head coach Roman Rotenberg:

- This is an important win for us, we wanted to start the next stage of the season in the right manner. Given that we hadn't played for a long time, we knew that it was going to be tough. It was difficult for our players physically at the start of the game, but they showed their character. As the match progressed, we improved in terms of our speed, desire and energy. Thank you to our fans for giving us this energy which we required!

- What conclusions did you draw after conceding in the last minute of the second stanza?

- We committed an individual mistake while playing shorthanded. After the second period, we held a serious conversation with our guys in the dressing room. Our goalkeeper Vladislav Podyapolsky was excellent in net, he competed just like Emiliano Martinez did for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final yesterday! This is what we want to see.

- During the international break, you played bandy in accordance with advice given by Vladimir Yurzinov. What are the main advantages of playing outdoors?

- We had discussed our training plan with Vladimir. At Hockey City, we have a wonderful outdoor rink with ice which is in excellent condition. I want there to be more outdoor rinks!

It gives everyone the opportunity to play the game at any convenient time. In terms of our emotions, it gives the guys a great boost to play outdoors, and it also improves their oxygen intake. This consequently allows them to play faster and breathe quicker.

- Information has appeared stating that Matvei Michkov will now move to Sochi for the rest of the season. Is this true? And if so, what are the reasons behind your decision?

- We always try to give our players the opportunity to develop. After successfully progressing through the MHL and VHL, the time has come for Matvei to play in the KHL and receive a lot of minutes on the ice. We held a good conversation with Matvei, notably speaking about the aspects of the sport which he must improve including his physical play and his game across all zones. Ice hockey isn't just about goals, you also have to defend solidly, play well at neutral ice, land hits and block pucks. Even if a player scores goals, he will make things worse for the team if he doesn't block shots. You have to be clever in all zones. I would like to wish Matvei success, and we are waiting for him in Saint Petersburg again. We want him to continue scoring goals while improving the details. Yes, he can sense a goal better than anyone in the world, but he must improve the details if he wants to become a top KHL player.

- You will soon host CSKA Moscow and Spartak Moscow. Did you consider staging those matches at the Gazprom Arena?

- We had discussed this, but we needed more preparation time. We're hoping that we will be able to play at the stadium next year. I would like to thank Gazprom and Alexei Miller for allowing us to host the previous Hockey Classics at the Gazprom Arena, they were fantastic events which set new attendance records!

HC Vityaz Moscow Region head coach Vyacheslav Butsaev:

- In terms of creating goalscoring opportunities, we played well during the first two periods. We had more chances to score than SKA. However, we couldn't convert. Unfortunately, in the third period, we gifted SKA a goal in a really simple situation. Such a high-quality opponent will punish you.

- Did the international break affect you at all?

- All teams are in the same boat. As I have already said, I was satisfied with our performance throughout the maiden 40 minutes. Without such childish mistakes, there would have been a chance of achieving a positive result.

HC SKA forward Danil Savunov:

- This is a good team win. Vityaz made it difficult for us, but we managed to hold on.

- You dished out an assist on your KHL debut. How did you cope with the nerves?

- I feel great! I felt tension during my first two shifts, but then I subsequently settled. My assist? Marat Khairullin scored with a brilliant shot.

HC SKA forward Vladislav Tsitsyura:

- It was tough for us after the international break, we struggled physically at first and gradually improved as the match continued. Vityaz produced a strong performance, but the main thing is that we emerged victorious. Our upcoming games will be even more interesting.

- You scored in your 100th KHL appearance.

- It's fantastic to make 100 appearances for one club in Russia's strongest league! I've been playing in the KHL for a few years now, I have gained a lot of experience. I'm really happy to score today as well.

- Despite the fact that SKA won 4:1, it seemed to be a challenging game.

- We managed to create quite a lot of chances, especially during the first period. Overall, it was a difficult match, the outcome depended on which team committed the least amount of mistakes. Thankfully, our goalkeeper made the big saves when required, Vityaz created some opportunities which could have ended with them scoring. Taking into account that we're in first place of the standings, all other teams are trying to show their best ice hockey against us.

- Do you have any advice for the younger players?

- I'm not that experienced, Danil next to me was only born a year later! Our coaches are there to give us advice, whereas we players just support each other. I will try to improve and become a better player.