Spartak - SKA. Press-conference

HC SKA head coach Oleg Znarok:

- Some aspects of the game went well, but others didn't. It was a level game in the first period, but we improved in the second and got the result. It's a shame that we didn't take advantage of the powerplays.

- Why didn't Pavel Datsyuk and Patrik Hersley play?

- We gave them a rest.

- How important are those two players on the powerplay?

- We have a quality team. Without them, we should still score on the man advantage. Luck wasn't on our side.

- Is this Mikhail Maltsev's best game for SKA's main team?

- He has his whole career ahead of him. He's working hard.

- Igor Shestyorkin is playing the majority of matches. Do you trust him more now?

- We have always trusted him, but we rotate the goalkeepers so that both Igor and Mikko are in shape. We have two good goalkeepers. As you know, our goalkeeping coach Rashit Davydov decides who plays. I have been working with Rashit for a long time and I trust him.

- Does Igor have a chance to become a leader in the national team?

- Everyone has a chance. We don't have a lot of time, but we keep an eye on KHL goaltenders. I won't name names, but there are three netminders which we count on.

- SKA are the biggest opponent for all other KHL teams. Does this give the team more motivation?

- Yes, we're already tired.

- Tired of winning?

- Tired of your questions.

- If someone told you that SKA would win the first 20 matches, would you have believed them?

- No, probably not. I think that last year's roster was a lot stronger than our team now. However, other players have stepped up to the mark, especially on the powerplay.

- Are you following the situation with Vadim Shipachyov?

- Yes, I am following everyone. At the moment, I haven't found out exactly what is going on there. The guys are speaking with him on the fine. Eventually, I think that he will play in NHL games.

HC Spartak Moscow head coach Vadim Epanchintsev:

- The first period was good, but we conceded goals in a poor three minute spell in the second stanza. Nevertheless, we tried hard and had some good chances. Unlike SKA, we were lacking quality.

- Do you plan to use Alexander Dergachyov as a centre forward?

- We'll see. Two centre forward have received injuries. If we win the next game, maybe we will keep things the same.

- Are you satisfied with Alexander Trushkov's performance?

- He proved himself with Khimik Voskresensk, our farm club. Khimik are among the VHL leaders and Alexander played well. I'm satisfied, he took to the ice cold and didn't concede any goals.