The head coaches of the teams summed up the results of the match.
— A serious opponent, after the defeat of 1:5, we informed the guys that Ufa would be galvanized. They have a fast team that plays due to a quick pass, due to quick movements. Therefore, congrats to us on our victory. Unfortunately, the third period did not work out for us. The quality of the game with the puck leaves much to be desired. It should stay deep in the opponent's zone, but we failed to do that. Nevertheless, well done, we stood up, having pushed the matter through to the victory.
— After the score of 3:0 was there an element of "self-complacency" or was it still Salavat who managed to find internal reserves and turn the tide of the game?
— I think we didn't have such a feeling, it may have looked like that from the outside. Salavat switched to three lines, if I understand it that way, they jump-started, we played four shifts, because each line, actually, played very well. We managed to play short shifts, in each period. But in the second one, we played two or three line shifts, we couldn't get the puck out when we had it on the hook, unfortunately, that made some adjustments. We gave the opponent a gift, like a gulp of air, and in the third period we realized that it wouldn't end there, and made a couple of mistakes that led to goals. And unnecessary sending-offs, that's understandable. We will definitely analyze these issues, they are very important at this stage, especially at the end of the regular season, we will watch, help and correct the guys.
— After the match with Severstal, you had a big rotation in the attack lines. The winning line-up is not changed, today it was identical.
— We still look at the stuffing of the game and our lines, how they interact with themselves, there is a much deeper analysis of the game. Actually, I wanted to keep the chemistry, good mood and moving forward. Therefore, after winning, we try not to change the lines, and everyone can play with everyone even through a line change, but there are certain trends that keep our line in the combinations in which you saw them today. The guys fit each other. Let's analyze, find the disadvantages in the line-up we played.
— There is no Dietz, Bryukvin and Yarosh in the line-up. Could you clarify the situation?
— Bryukvin moved to the general group after a minor injury. Yarosh is recovering from an illness. Darren has family matters. They will join the general group any day now, and they will be playing soon.
— About the role of the first goal, the beginning of the meeting was a teeter-totter. You had moments, Salavat had a 1-in-1 exit, and the first puck is quite curious, I dare say. You yourselves expected that in most cases the opponent changed like that and without any problems Karnaukhov picked up the puck, making a pass and shooting a goal.
— I think it was unexpected for us and for the opponent that the puck was omitted behind our opponent's goal, the guys did the rest, well done, well reacted. We got four minutes, but we had to play line changes, which we had practiced all season, so the guys coped with the task. At the time of the line change, we managed to make that goal, so four minutes is quite a long time, even for those who play five. I think we imposed four pairs of defenders, so we managed to keep the pace high enough.
— Viktor Kozlov was asked about his impressions after the first coaching duel. What is your opinion?
— We didn't have time to talk to Viktor, it's clear why. They are away, we are struggling with our problems, all the coaches have such an intense schedule. But I will always answer this question the same way. The guys are playing, we are directing them, our work has already been completed in the morning, the game is going on, and, in fact, we need to introduce certain standards. Our duels will remain our duels, we will meet someday and discuss. Anyway, the players on the ice are more important. The guys play, lay themselves out to the process, and, of course, it's better for them to have all these accolades and orchids. We deal with standard moments, our reaction is important, of course. Yet the dramatis personae are the guys on the ice.
— It's positive that they fought to the end, played against the winner of the Gagarin Cup, it was clear why they became champions last year. A lot of skill, a lot of correct actions, they are extremely good at converting the moments they have. It is positive that we increased the pace in the third period, forced CSKA to defend, scored two goals, but could not score more.
— It seemed that the team started playing after the score 0:3, aside from a couple of line changes in the second period. Why is that? And how could you increase the score?
— Too much respect was given at the very beginning. Apparently, the jersey hypnotized the guys a little, and the fact that we had 4 minutes, if we scored a goal there, who knows how the game would have turned out.
— The team played very neatly in defense, with only one sending-off. Did the game with Torpedo, which gave you 4 goals in 6 minutes, have an impact at this factor?
— The fact that they played in a disciplined manner, yes. The guys worked well in the defense, tried not to make mistakes in their zone. A good return striker who did not leave the opponent 1 on 1 against the defender, that's why there was no sending-off.
— You and CSKA have played almost 2 matches in a row. What actions of the team need changing?
— We must believe in ourselves, that we are also a good team, with good and high-quality players. We just need to respect the opponent, but not too much.
— Do you have an explanation for the first goal in your goal in the majority, such a line change. Did the goal break the team?
— Yes, this is a key moment in the game, when, after a not very good power play, there was a defining moment.
— Your first coaching duel with Sergey Fedorov took place today, how nice was it to compete?
— It would be nicer if I beat my friend, but I failed to do it today.
— Could you, please, clarify the idea of excessive respect for the opponent? The current champion seems to be a powerful irritant.
— We just played carefully, we allowed too much in the first period. In such matches, even when we play against the champion, we have to believe in our strength, that we are a good team and we can play. We showed it in the third period. This is a good lesson for us. We have to go and play the way we know. In the first period, we stood and watched what CSKA was doing.
— In general, would you like the team to play as actively and aggressively as it was in the home series?
— Actually, we did play aggressively and actively. Only the rivals were a little different.
— In your opinion, does Salavat throw enough from the slot? It's difficult for all the lines to get there, except for the young one, there are too much icing and too many long shots.
— I agree. Kazan, CSKA are dimensional defenders, they play well in defense, they don't let them on a goal crease, they block shots from the blue line. You need to make your way there, if they don't let you.
