— What did you pay more attention to in preparation for the ‑playoffs — physical conditions or psychological state?
— A little ‑bit of everything. We were preparing, but there wasn't much time. We needed to win regular season games. But the ‑playoff matches are already starting tomorrow.
— You became the most valuable player of the last ‑playoffs. How will you confirm your status this season?
— I will try my best. We have to win, give our best. I don't know how to answer this question. We need to tune in to the games, but the main thing is the team result. We will move from game to game.
— Sergey Fedorov noted CSKA's problems with game discipline. Have you worked on this component?
— We'll see tomorrow. I hope that there will be no problems with discipline.
— Fedorov also said that the team often lacks concentration, but expressed hope that ‑everything will change in the playoffs. Is there any confidence that we will be able to start acting more carefully?
— I hope so. There is ‑no need to set up anyone in the playoffs. In elimination games, every mistake can be fatal. Most of the CSKA players are experienced guys who have won cups. Everyone understands how important every line change and every game episode is.
— For the first time in a long time, CSKA starts the first round on the road. How does it feel to be in such a situation?
— Everything happens for the first time. The regular season didn't go well. But it can still be fixed. The most important thing is the ‑playoffs, the Gagarin Cup. We will have a chance to play in front of our fans. Of course, it is preferable to have the advantage of your own rink, but now we'll go the other way.
— You have played a lot of matches with Lokomotiv over the past year. Aren't you tired of playing with them?
— This is our fate — we constantly play with them. Lokomotiv is a good team, we know what to expect from them.
