CSKA head coach Igor Nikitin summed up the game in Omsk.
– Tough game, great atmosphere. We played to win, we just didn't execute hard enough.
– Both teams went a long time without scoring. Why was it so hard to break the ice?
– They have a decent goaltender and qualified defensemen. Too many variables on both sides for a shutout game.
– Despite it being their third straight road game, both teams showed equal speed and energy.
– I agree, neither team had the upper hand. We don't care if we're home or away. Teaching them to lock in. That’s not what wins games. Character, skill, and patience do. Today, we lacked patience and let it slip away. You can't just coast through the playoffs on fresh legs. Fresh or gassed, we play for the win. That's what we work on.
– How well did the blue line and defensive corps handle Avangard's offense today?
– No defensive lapses. The forwards also put in a massive workload to neutralize scoring chances. Avangard plays a different style than Metallurg, so we had to adjust. The boys got the job done.
– Would you say CSKA was dictating the pace before the penalty?
– It’s impossible to play without penalties. A team driving toward its goal needs to clean up its mistakes quickly. That's what makes a championship team.
