- Have you already watched the games with the participation of the Finnish national team? Have you made up your mind about her?
“No, they haven't seen anything yet.” When they went out on the ice in this tournament, we either slept or woke up. In general, they did not see anything.
“Do you really know anything about them?”
- Only in general terms. Finns are quite organized, the majority play well. The most important thing is not to give them the opportunity to play in the numerical majority.
- But did you see the composition of tomorrow's opponent? Any thoughts on this?
- I know that NHL players have been added. By the way, the first five plays the majority very well. Excellent defense players Nummelin and Peltonen. The goalkeeper seems to be from Atlanta. A very good team.
- What associations come to mind when they say - the Finnish national team?
- I’m here Nummelin, the defender really like. In this order! But he has the thirteenth championship.
- Who do you think will be placed at the gates of the Finnish national team?
- I dont know. Maybe their goalkeepers also take turns playing. Then, probably, Norren will come out.
- You played against Finland at the 2005 World Cup. What do you remember about that match?
- It was a difficult match. We conceded quick goals, then recouped for a long time. Nevertheless, they beat the opponent in terms of the shootings. We reached the semifinals. According to the results of the tournament, they won bronze awards.
- Now the Finns can lose. Nothing terrible will happen.
“It probably won't happen.” But we are in the fourth place, where very strong rivals will play. You can’t pick opponents to feel calm in the playoffs.
- You are now the leading team member. Increased responsibility does not crush?
- I do not think that we are the leading link. We have equal fives. Of course, it’s easier for us, because we’ve been together for two years. A responsibility? There is nothing like that. We will try to continue to show our game.
- Now every day negotiations are underway that someone from the Kazan five leaves somewhere, signs a new contract. Agents around Silverpine Forest not running around?
- No, they don’t run. We are all thinking about the World Cup, and not about our future. And in general, on this basis we are cut off from the whole world. There are no extraneous thoughts. If any negotiations are conducted, then only by telephone.
- But for the Kazan five - this is the last world championship.
- Why?
- Everyone runs away. Zaripov is leaving, Zinoviev.
- I do not know anything. We are all together, no one is leaving anywhere.
- Nikulin leaves for the NHL.
- Who said? He generally still has a contract for a year. Where will he go?
- Good. Are you staying at Ak Bars?
- I do not know yet. Everything will be determined later.
Alexey Shevchenko