— Does the fact that CSKA starts the series on the road mean something to you? Or do you not care where to play?
— It doesn't matter. The last final started the same way — on the road. We will move from game to game. Time will tell the rest.
— At training, the CSKA players were in a good mood, smiling. Have you already forgotten the not-so-successful regular season, have you turned the page?
— Our team had positive emotions and smiles in the locker room and on the ice during the regular season. This is the most important thing. Regardless of the result, we need to enjoy what we do, the fact that we are together. You can't go far without a smile.
— Can we say that such an attitude can be the key to success in the ‑playoffs?
— Of course! If you are sad and discouraged, if you spend your strength and nerves on it, you will not go too far.
— Did the failures in the regular season lead to the fact that the players had doubts about each other?
— There is definitely no doubt about each other. You said the right thing that the regular season is over, we turned the page. Ahead is the ‑playoff, this is, in fact, a new championship. We will prepare for it and try to show our best game.
— Can Lokomotiv ‑surprise you with something, considering how many matches you have played with this team recently?
— The most important thing here is not to surprise ourselves, but to continue doing what we can. I think there won't be any overcomplicated moments for us then. The main thing is to support each other and enjoy what we do.
— CSKA has five finals in a row, many series won in seven matches. It seems that nothing can scare your team. Does it give you confidence in your abilities?
— You need to be confident, but not overconfident. Yes, we know how to act in difficult situations, but every ‑playoff is a new story. Each game seems to be with a new opponent. We need to move forward without thinking about the past ‑playoffs, finals and championships. Then it will be much easier.
