CSKA head coach Igor Nikitin summed up the game against the Sochi.
The score stayed low for two periods thanks to a great performance by the Sochi goalie. The boys did a great job, stuck to the game plan, and that gave us a chance in the third period.
– After a rough start, how important was it to bounce back with such a dominant win?
– Agreed, getting a win right now is massive for team morale. We played disciplined hockey, that’s key.
– You played against goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov, who is on loan from CSKA. How would you rate his skill level?
– We deliberately took this step to give Pyotr a shot in the KHL. We knew he’d be busy. He kept the team in the game for two periods.
– The top line Poltapov, Khairullin and Sorkin had a slow start out of the gate. How do you help them to get back in the play?
– I don't know who made them the top line. We have plenty of skilled players who need to step up. The guys are getting a lot of trust, we know their potential. That’s just part of being a leader – dealing with the pressure it’s all about how you handle it.
– Is the club still looking to add depth down the middle?
– To know who we need, we first need to know what we have on the roster. It's a work in progress. We already see the leaks in our game. We want to give these guys a shot to earn their spot. Our center depth isn't really an issue. Right now, our biggest issue is our defensive play. That's what we need to focus on.
