The head coaches of the CSKA and the Lokomotiv summed up the game.
Igor Nikitin, head coach of the CSKA:
– A solid game against the champion, offering plenty of valuable information. A tough loss, but plenty of positives to take away.
– What specific positive aspects can you highlight?
– We had a fighting spirit, unlike the last game.
– The team is fighting through a rough start to the season, and from the outside looking in, Marat Khairullin seems hasn’t quite found his game yet?
– Marat needs some time to adjust to the new system. We’re not rushing him; I had a chat with him to keep his mind at ease. He’s not the first guy to go through this. It’s all about patience and character.
– Is Jeremy Roy okay?
– Jeremy returned to the game after a brief exit. That's hockey, there are no guarantees – especially against a team like that. A team-first guy, sticking with them until the very end.
Dmitry Kvartalnov, head coach of the Lokomotiv:
– I thought we played a good, complete game. However, a string of penalties early in the second period disrupted our rhythm and limited our offensive zone time. But then found our game. We played pretty well in the third, I think, and locked down the win.
– What led to the penalties?
– The opponent forces you to play that way with their pace and pressure. They are playing at home, fueled by a roaring home crowd. We need to take a look at Polunin's tape. That happens when you’re hemmed in your own zone. Ultimately, they forced us into taking penalties.
– What is the status of Maxim Beryozkin? Are you looking to bolster up the roster?
– Max has been left off the road trip roster. So, still without him. I can't say anything specific at this point. No updates on the roster front, but every team is actively exploring ways to upgrade. It runs through the final day of January. Everyone is looking to beef up their roster and add pieces.
– The disallowed goal seemed to boost Lokomotiv. Could this be the defining moment of the matchup?
– It's up to the officials. It’s hard to comment on that. I have to agree, they would’ve given us all we could handle. But rules are rules. The officials convened and made the call. If the ejection preceded the goal, it simply comes down to the rulebook.
– While Lokomotiv's roster is constantly injected with highly skilled forwards, new defensemen are practically nowhere to be found. Are there no young, talented defensemen in the pipeline right now?
– I wouldn't say no. Expect to see these guys. Mark Ulyev played for us, and Magomedsultanov is coming up.
