- At a press conference, evaluating the game of goalkeeper Vasily Koshechkin, you answered somehow vaguely.
- Got away from the answer?
- Yes, gone. Why?
- But the goalkeeper was really difficult. When the last two goals were scored, he almost did not see the shots. As for the other goals, maybe his fault. But, you see, this is a different level. Both goalkeepers still need some practice to grow. They are the first time at the World Cup ( Eremenko - the second, but in 2005 did not play - approx. Ed. ). And still goalkeepers play with dignity.
- So you still have not decided on the first number?
- Not. The next match will be Alexander Eremenko.
- After the game with the Ukrainians, you said that you were not too happy with the link of Evgeni Malkin. How did it play now?
“Already better.” Find mutual understanding.
- And still, Evgeni Malkin did not look too confident.
- He had a hard time today. He felt bad.
- Something serious?
- I do not want to talk about this.
- Why did you remove Kovalchuk at the end of the match? Ovechkin appeared in this link.
- You know, Ilya was out of sorts when Alexander returned to the bench. Ovechkin got from Kovalchuk for this. At that time, Sasha could not change. The end of the game, the last seconds. It was necessary to keep the puck in the opponent's zone. But they are two masters - they will figure it out.
- What did happen to the team at the beginning of the third period? Why did the Finns seize the initiative? Don't you think this is a wake-up call?
- The Finns came to the final period more aggressive than us. Yes, and the removal affected, which entailed goals conceded.
- So relaxed?
“I don't think so.” Maybe the Finns added, but we remained at the same level.
- What happened to Sergey Zinoviev? Why didn’t he go out on the face-off?
- Sergey has biceps damage.
“But can he play?”
- Will play. He is a fighter.
- What did you especially like today in the game of the Russian national team?
- They showed character, did not break. But the Finns wanted to crush us psychologically. But the guys showed that they can play successfully even with such pressure. More importantly, they like to play this kind of hockey. Just do not forget that the match consists not only of attack, but also of defense.
- Restrained players so that they did not get involved in fights?
- We have guys who have completed the NHL school, and they know these Finnish comrades. And they themselves knew who could provoke or strike stealthily. Everyone was determined not to succumb to provocations.
“Do you think Ruutu wanted to hurt Happy?”
- I think that this is his style, and he will not change himself. This game is such - psychological pressure. The Finns needed to unbalance us. But we understood that.
- Are you ready for the fact that now opponents will play rudely against the Kazan five, provoke it?
- We have a very balanced team. Look how Nikolay Kulemin showed himself today. So, danger can be expected from each of our links.
- Ilya Kovalchuk does not score the third match. This is problem?
- This link is still ahead. The main thing is that Ilya goes to shock positions, but he is a little lacking in the final stage. He is a master. Hunter for prey. He has a thirst for a goal. Ilya will look for the gate. At the same time, Kovalchuk is a team player. He proves to be one of the leaders. And it’s okay that he doesn’t succeed.
Alexey Shevchenko