Viktor Tikhonov: "I had to stick up for my teammates"

- There were more fights in game four than in the third match.

- Yes, it was a physical match. I had to stick up for my teammates a couple of times, all of us got involved. We showed that we're a united group.

- After playing in Yaroslavl, do you have emotions left for game five?

- I think that we've got even more emotions now. We're proving that we're a united group.

- You had extra motivation to score today.

- Yes, it's my wife's birthday, and she asked me to score a goal. I scored two, but I wanted to score a third too. Unfortunately, it didn't happen, but hopefully it will next year.

- Why were there so many fights in the third period?

- This is the playoffs. When the opponents make dirty hits against your teammates, you have to show them that it's not acceptable. Hopefully, we'll play ice hockey in the next match, but we're ready to fight if required.

- SKA did well after conceded an early goal and have one waved off.

- We're trying to play calmly and keep our emotions inside. Sometimes, the score isn't in our favour and things aren't going well, but we showed that we can improve and not make mistakes.

- Do you feel that the series is practically over?

- No. I think that the opponents will travel to Saint Petersburg with new energy, we need to play at a faster tempo and continue playing like we did in Yaroslavl.

- SKA seem to have more in the tank than Lokomotiv.

- We have a large squad, players are being rotated because all of us want to play. Everyone tries their best.

- Before this gift for your wife, what's the most unusual present you've given her?

- That's a hard question. I'm often late buying presents. Last year, I ordered boots, but they arrived two months later. Today, I was on time.