- Nicholas, the first question, of course, about the game? What did you think of it?
- These were two very difficult matches ...
- Really?
- Quite. Both times we started poorly, but the second period introduced a fracture. It is gratifying that the team is going and scoring. Somewhere the trainer helps, somewhere we tune ourselves. It’s good that we managed to win two victories. The story in the 2-0 series is very nice. In any case, for me personally.
- Did the team relax the score 7: 1 after the first match?
- After him, the coaches immediately said: "Do not relax." Asked not to pay attention to the bill. Yes, we ourselves understood that 7: 1 is just a coincidence.
- What is the fundamental difference between these two meetings, if any?
- I did not see much difference. The team is the same. And the team, I repeat, is not bad.
- Earlier, eight clubs got into the playoffs, now it’s 16. 16. Do you think that our hockey has lost anything in this regard or still got it?
- In my opinion, this is a question for the hockey federation. It is not for us to decide how many clubs will play in the playoffs - eight or sixteen. This problem can be approached from different angles. Last season, all teams that finished below the eighth as a result of the regular season dropped out of the fight in the first round. The question immediately arises - why start the playoffs with 1/8, and not 1/4? This is on the one hand. And on the other - let yourself play. Twice as many teams - respectively two times as large an audience. And this is only in the hands of Russian hockey.
- Returning to the opponent’s theme, do you think Magnitogorsk was lucky to get on the HC MVD? Convenient rival?
- But what's the difference - convenient, uncomfortable. You still need to win. Yes, we beat this team in all matches of the regular season. But there are no weak opponents in the playoffs, you yourself know. Returning to the previous question, the "police" took 13th place in the smooth championship. Since 16 teams get into the playoffs, they got the opportunity to compete again, which in principle they do.
- Well, the last question: are you going to go far in this playoff draw? For example, Kudermetov said that the snow is still lying, which means it’s too early to go on vacation. We’ll fight until the end.
- ( Laughs ). Yes, Edik is right about the fact that it’s too early on vacation, we’ll have time to relax. This year our team is very good, everyone has a fighting spirit. Hands do not intend to give up. We will fight.
Kirill CHEREPANOV, Magnitogorsk