Vladislav Gavrikov and Vladimir Fedosov speak before playing Ak Bars

SKA defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov:

- After beating Salavat Yulaev, how important is it to prepare in the right way for Ak Bars?

- We have looked over video material and know how to improve our game. We will try.

- How good is this Ak Bars side?

- Kazan are always good, I think that special teams will decide this match.

- Ak Bars lost their previous match by a large score.

- Teams always fight hard after losing a game.

- Did you expect Kazan to lose that match?

- Lokomotiv are improving at the moment, there was nothing surprising about that result.

SKA coach Vladimir Fedosov:

- How does the team feel before playing Ak Bars?

- The players are focused on the game, our opponents are strong. They are in first place of the Eastern Conference for a reason, so we will play one of the KHL's best teams.

- Ak Bars lost their last match.

- It doesn't mean anything that Ak Bars lost that game. They have a quality team, and I don't think that Zinetula Bilyaletdinov needs to get his players pumped up for this game. It will be a good match.

- What would you point out about Ak Bars?

- They have a solid defence. Our forwards can't lose the puck at the blue line, we don't need Ak Bars to have counterattacks.

- Who will play in goal?

- In our plans, Igor Shestyorkin will play.