Reaction after playing against Dinamo Riga

HC SKA forward Yakov Trenin:

- First of all, I would like to apologise to the fans, we don't own the right to play like that in front of them. We started well, but the opponents took advantage of our penalties in the second period. Some of the guys struggled to get going again after sitting on the bench for a long time during our penalty killing. At 3:2, the match could have gone either way, and unfortunately we conceded another goal and ended up losing.

- Were you too relaxed after thumping Traktor in Chelyabinsk?

- We had a good mindset and started well. This isn't the first time when this has happened, a similar situation was witnessed against Kunlun Red Star. We need to improve our second periods.

- Did the fact that the Ice Palace was quite empty take its toll?

- We still felt the fans' support on the bench. Thank you to everyone who came here and supported us. Once again, we are sorry for this result.

HC SKA forward Malte Stromwall:

- We came flying out of the blocks and scored twice. We should have scored more goals, but we didn't use our opportunities and the opponents did. We have to also play with more discipline as to not take such penalties as we did today.

- What are the differences between SKA and Sochi?

- You have to win every game when playing for SKA, this is a top team. I am really happy to have the opportunity to play for this club. I will try to show my best ice hockey in all of our matches, you have to play at your maximum here.

- Andrei Kuzmenko gave you an assist for your second goal. Is it hard to compete with such an unpredictable player?

- Andrei is a very talented, hungry player. He gave me an excellent pass for my second goal. He is a very technical player, I enjoy watching how he works.

- What are the main demands for you here in Sain Petersburg?

- You have a huge responsibility on your shoulders when playing for SKA. This club has long been a leader in the KHL, and when I played for Sochi matches against SKA were always very difficult. All players have to give everything in every game for the victory.

HC SKA forward Stepan Starkov:

- It's hard to comment on such games. We can't give away matches like this. We took the lead, but then we started to take penalties, myself included. This is a disappointing defeat.

- Are you used to playing in the KHL now?

- I feel comfortable in the KHL, this isn't my first season in this league. The coaches want me to compete in an aggressive manner and to make the correct decisions in defence and attack.

- What conclusions need to be drawn from this match?

- You have to be 100% concentrated for every game, not relaxing at any given moment. Psychologically you must be ready.

- When did you realise that Riga had turned the game around?

- They began to win the duels on the ice. Gradually, as the match continued, they won the individual duels and therefore took the initiative. Ice hockey is made up of the smallest details.

- What went wrong in the penalty shootout?

- We were a bit unlucky.