- Igor, is your series with Dynamo too easy? Especially considering that it was from the blue and white that you suffered the first defeat at the new head coach Paul Gardner?
- Well, it's the playoffs. Here are completely different games, the atmosphere is different. It seems to me that what happened in the regular season was only preparation for the playoff matches. We, of course, did not know that we were going to hit Dynamo. But on the other hand, we knew that this is a very energetic, efficient team, creating decent pressure and consisting of young guys of a very good level. In general, they imagined who would have to deal with.
- If I understand you correctly, then Lokomotiv deliberately did not choose an opponent. Indeed, some teams often try to do this.
- Of course I didn’t. If the team has a game, then there’s no big difference who comes out in the playoffs. And adjusting to someone for the next round is probably not the best option. When everything turns out, the guys fight for each other, the result will be positive.
- Can you single out the most difficult match of the series?
- It seems to me that the first match turned out to be the most difficult for us.
- Why?
- Because in the first match Dynamo played very energetically from the first minutes, hunted for us in our own zone, used pressure. After all, after the first period, the score 0-2 on the scoreboard was not in our favor. Only on time scored goals helped us to break the failed meeting.
“And what did Gardner say after such a nervous match?”
- He asked us to forget about what happened in the first period, but try to transfer the mood and game from the second and third periods to the second match of the series. So it happened in the end. We started the next game confidently, led after the first period. So, one might say, the trainer obeyed.
- Oh well. Homes and walls help. But in Moscow you won the most convincing victory. How did you manage?
- Dynamo has very energetic fans who, judging by today's match, are ready to support their favorite team, in spite of any difficulties. In general, in away games you constantly have to play it safe and play with caution. Today, for example, it was important for us not to miss. And the attack would still have moments. And so it was. They played strictly on the defensive, while in attack they used their chances well.
- After all, you scored your first goal after returning to Russia. Nicely?
- The first, second or third ... To me, frankly, no difference. Most importantly, they won. Passed to the quarter finals. Now we are waiting for the opponent.
- This is your first acquaintance with the Russian playoffs, despite his considerable age. Can you compare it with its Enhael version?
- Age is only numbers. I have a great desire to play. Especially in the playoffs, where, thanks to the fans, such a wonderful atmosphere. They wave, shout, support. Playoffs are playoffs in America, what's here. You play fifty-odd games of the season just to take part in it. And really try to win.
- And yet, in our country this is a more predictable tournament than in the NHL.
- Anything can happen. I still think that here any team can beat any. We would like to be a surprise for others ourselves.
- Well, for Dynamo, you seem to have become such a surprise. Are you satisfied that you managed to decide the outcome of the series in just three matches?
- Of course! Although there are different opinions on this. On the one hand, the team wins, the winning atmosphere and mood remain. On the other hand, a break between episodes can have a negative effect. But here again, it all depends on the players. From what’s in their head. If the guys prepare for the next series, regain strength, then everything will be in order. So now we will heal a couple of bruises and cones, and forward to the quarterfinals.
Nikolay FEDORENKO