The head coaches of the teams summed up the results of the match.
- Cheers to our rival. It is clear that Severstal is playing for the eight, for the playoffs. Good speeds, good rhythm, we didn't converted our chances, unfortunately, when we created them. That did not work out. Then we played a couple of line changes, which slightly hindered our third period. In general, in hot pursuit, there are no complaints about our guys' dedication. Let's see, analyze, digest, and look further.
— In recent matches, CSKA has lost the skill to save games in the endings when you concede. Last season, CSKA proved that they can do it, and during this season, too. Is there a problem on a short segment now?
— I'll disagree about the skill, I don't think we've lost anything, but, you're right, we have problems in terms of completion. The team and I talk about it, we set the guys up to hitting the goal, it's good for both our guys and goalkeepers, training should be as close as possible to the game situation. Therefore, there is something to think about and work on here. Of course, it's difficult for the goalkeeper to score now if he sees the start of the throw. Well, those chancess that we created, we failed to convert them. We didn't score and didn't create the advantage that we had in terms of dynamics and team speed. We played the third period unsuccessfully, missed an unnecessary goal. We didn't rush, but we started to play more voluminously in attack, took the perimeter and moved into the opponent's zone, but there was not enough threat, of course. During the third period, we talked about it with the guys, but, apparently, we were looking for some kind of clean throw or a clean goal. But the goalkeeper of the opponent played reliably, because he saw everything. Therefore, it is our task, of the coaching staff, to convey to the guys that there should be a hindrance for all 60+ minutes, the opponent's goalkeeper should have some inconvenience.
— Today, Poltapov participated in the only scored goal. He is only 19 years old, his first full season in the KHL, during this season did you see that such a core of a fighter was formed in him so that he could play in the playoffs?
— Of course, Prokhor has a core, to play in the KHL at the age of 19, I think, quite successfully, but he has something to work on. Young people should not stop there, even if the head coach sometimes praises them. You always need to remember that you have to work. And through work to achieve a place in the main roster, and if possible, show your class in the game. Especially, as for Prokhor, in the attack zone.
— Now there is a fight for the 2nd and 5th place, the teams are very tight. How much does it matter for you where CSKA starts from?
— To begin with, the main thing is to be in this grid. Now we are thinking a lot about the place, I have already answered a similar question. I have more focus on our stuffing of the game, in all situations, 5 on 5, 4 on 5, and so on. I am sure that if we play correctly, the way we train, the way we want to play, according to the task, the result will come, and the place you just asked about.
— Now the schedule is quite tight, the team plays almost every other day. Is it possible to consider the opponents' games, to do some kind of analysis? Or is it based on the skill of your players?
— Of course, we are watching at the rivals. The answer is banal, it is possible. We are also working on our important components. You are absolutely right that the games are every other day, a difficult schedule. But when you're in a certain game form, it's not so painful. If you play correctly, you spend less effort, accordingly, you play game after game, and this brings some physical and moral pleasure. Guys get tired only physically, of course, there are bruises and bumps, someone plays more, someone less, some are tired. But we have everything to restore them quickly.
— We played with a good, skilled team, so I am very pleased with the result. As a whole, we looked very good in the game. We converted the chances that we had, stood up defensively. The guys played with in union today. Therefore, I think we deserved to win. Congratulations to the team on the victory!
— Does Rozhkov often practice shots at empty goals in training? Two goals in a row is rare for hockey.
— No, of course not. He is far from Ovechkin.
— The second period was the key, how did the guys set up, what did they say?
— The second period is going badly for us this season, although according to statistics and by all indicators, we are playing no worse than the opponent, sometimes even better. Take the last game in Ufa, we played well, but at the end of the period we flew off and we lose a lot because of this second period. Today, too, there was the same situation. The main thing is that we didn't play badly, we missed a goal, it's good that we played quickly. What did you say in the locker room? I won't say that, but it is necessary to break this moment, at least not to lose these second periods.
