The captain of CSKA summed up the results of the match with "Avangard".
— Nikita, what can you say about the match, the game was interesting. Did you have a chance to score today?
— A good match, a good challenger. Both teams played great attacks and defense. They may have had better luck somewhere, like in the third goal. The puck hit my stick. This is not an excuse, I must convert my chances. We will set up the game, we will convert the chances, everything will be fine.
— What was the most important moment to turn the tables?
— I think that when you are given four minutes of the power play, you need to score. We didn't use four minutes, having scored in a power play later. You need to shoot a goal at once, preferably twice, if possible.
— CSKA is playing in contrast this season. A series of 11 wins, then Vityaz leads with 3-0, and CSKA wins with 6-4? What is the reason for such ups and downs?
— Of course, the team has a character. Ups and downs? I don't know. I won't say that we don't get well prepared for someone's game or don't respect the opponent. It's just a combination of circumstances, individual mistakes. Therefore, it is necessary to correct them, systematically adding something. Each of the guys is working, everything is fine.
— There are four players, born in 2003, in the team at once. As the captain, how would you assess their blending into the team, or is it a least-evil solution?
— The team composition is a issue to be discussed with the coach rather than me. I can't comment on it in any way. It's good that the guys have a chance to play. They are good, promising guys. They show themselves well. We don't have such a thing like "young" or "adult". We're doing great.
— The All-Star Game in Chelyabinsk is not far off. You're the captain there, how much does it matter? And are you looking forward to this moment?
— This is important for me, because Chelyabinsk is my hometown, where I started my career in hockey. Chelyabinsk gave me a lot. It's very nice to be back there, especially as a captain. Now I'm focused on the season, there are three games left before the break. And then we'll come up with something at the All-Star Game.
