CSKA team defenseman answered the reporters' questions after the game with Salavat Yulaev.
- I think it was a good game. We had high speed, a lot of fight and goals. The game was equal, we led in the first period. We were 12-4 in draws. In the second period, our opponent seized the initiative, plus we took penalties. In my opinion, we played better in a third period. But Ufa scored and that made the final result.
Do you have an explanation for why four of the five goals today were scored in uneven lineups?
- The selection of players, all skillful. The cost of penalties in this game was high, that's why so many goals were scored.
- Don't you think that CSKA could have avoided some penalties in this game?
- Honestly, I have not seen all penalties from the bench, it's hard to comment, I need to review.
- Svedberg should have fouled on the game winning goal.
- I think that's where he fouled. I thought the referee would light it up, I didn't see if he did or not.
- For the second season in a row, you scored against Salavat. Is Ufa a source of major concern for you now?
- Not like a source of concern. Last year the emotions were stronger. I don't think it was a source of special concern. Just some kind of coincidence.
- Several defensemen were injured. Was it hard, a lot of pressure?
- Yes, everyone got more playing time. When you play, roughly speaking, 18-20 minutes, you can stick to the system but when you spend 25 minutes or more on the ice, it is difficult to keep a tight schedule and fight a lot. The workload increased but now gradually everyone is coming out. We have one defenseman left - Dalbec - and we're waiting for him.
CSKA has the same number of goals scored and conceded. How can this be explained? Strict defense or a lack of offense?
- I think that applies to everyone. It's a team game. We have to help the attackers and they have to help us. It is clear that we defensemen will not score in double digits but we have to help the attackers. To give them the puck faster in the defensive zone and, in the offensive zone, if they don't lose the puck - to play closer to them and close the zone, give the forwards more time to play in the offensive game. We need to improve our teamwork.
- Are you satisfied with your defense?
- I can't say I'm satisfied. We have to do better. If I'm not mistaken, our minority is now average among all the teams. We need to improve this component.
- How satisfied are you with being hooked up to power play?
- Thanks for the confidence. It was in junior hockey that I was often on the power play but now it's a bonus.
- Did you know before the game that you would play like this?
- Of course, I knew that during the skate. I was already going to put on my jersey for the penalty killing but Evgeny Gennadyevich (Evgeny Koreshkov) told me that I was on the power play.
