Our team goalkeeper summed up the results of the second Army club derby of the season.
- It was the Army derby: everyone knew what the game was going to be. We went out to win, because we understood that every point is worth its weight in gold. We showed the game we were told we would play. But there is still work to do. Overall, the game was positive – see the scoreboard.
- The score was 3-0; you didn`t have much work in the first period. In the second period, Kemppainen's getting an open goal could be the key moment in the game if the rival had reduced the deficit. Do you agree?
- If they had converted that or any other event, the game could have been different, so it was an important moment. But all's well that ends well, so it's no big deal. I know Joonas from Ufa. He's a good player, he can perform. On the plus or minus side, I expected that when a man comes out one to zero, he can move the puck either between legs or make some movement under my guards… But he didn't have much time to think about it.
- Today, Bourdasov tricked you and you rolled out in front of his shot.
- He didn't cheat; his shot didn't work, because he wanted to shoot on the touch. It was an awkward moment for the goalie: the puck went through.
- Did you knock out Karnaukhov's stick in the episode preceding the missed goal?
- We looked at the referees, so we can't interpret the episode and say anything, so the referee might or might not call me. Here it is at the discretion of the referees. This moment could be assessed from different angles.
- Did you feel Gusev's guile, when he launched the puck into your trap being out of desperation?
- He probably has that period in his life now, when he needs to score points. They are not doing well now, and he wants to play for his team, somewhere he wants to take the initiative. We know he's a strong player, he can give a pass and execute some move himself; he can also shoot somewhere from under defenseman. Good boy, he looks for the moments.
- Was there a disappointment that you didn't get a shutout or it makes no difference for this game?
- Every goalkeeper likes to get a shutout if he can. So far I haven't had much luck with shutouts, but I think that's not the most important aspect of a goalie's game. The most important thing is winning with your team. I'm not chasing shutouts, of course, it can put you in a positive emotional mood, but the main component of your game is the team's result. That's the pinnacle to strive for.
- Ilya Sorokin said that Anton Burdasov has the best shot in the KHL. Did you feel that today?
- He has a good shot, short, with a "banana" curve of his stick, so if he doesn't have it, the shot puck flies like a butterfly. Everyone knows he's got a strong throw, which he uses well. I agree with Ilya. Anton Burdasov is one of those guys who can throw hard and powerfully without a swing.
-When a KHL player is asked if you have a dream to go to the Olympics, it's understandable. But how do you feel about the fact that all the strongest Russian goalies play in the NHL and there is almost no chance to get to the Games? Who do you like most among Russian goalies and do you have an Olympic dream?
- If you consider that the NHL goalies will go to the Olympics, then of course you should have no illusions. If I were there, I could consider the possibility, but in the meantime the priority would be those who play overseas. But it's still unclear how it all will play out. There is something to strive and work for, and that's good. We have a club and a national team, we prepare to each next game, we have the Euro-tour, and national team matches.
As for goalkeepers - we have one of the strongest schools in the world. There are talented persons, and guys who work with good specialists.
- Is Vasilevsky the best one right now?
- Today, of course, it's Vasya (Andrey Vasilevsky). It's not the first year he's been proving it. Also there is Soroka (Ilya Sorokin); Bob (Sergey Bobrovsky) started the season well. After a not very good season it's nice to see that he's playing with confidence now and his team looks better, so it's great that he's trusted and he feels it. I'm watching their careers develop, it's interesting. We have strong Russian goalies that you can make two national teams out of.
