Ak Bars defenseman Stepan Terekhov shared his thoughts on the Gagarin Cup final series against Lokomotiv.
– The league has named you the best rookie two years in a row. How does that feel? Was it unexpected?
– Well, it’s nice, of course, but I understand there aren’t many rookies playing. Only two or three, if not fewer, so I don’t think it’s that valuable an award.
– How did you manage to play so confidently? Who helps you the most?
– Among the coaches, probably Alexander Makritsky. He helps and gives advice. And the guys in general. Alexei Marchenko constantly supports me; we’re in constant dialogue.
– What are your impressions of the two playoff series so far? Is the team growing?
– Yes, we’re playing well. There’s a sense of unity; we’ve come together.
– What do you think about Lokomotiv? They’re an experienced team, in the final for the third straight year. They have Radulov and Shalunov.
– They’re an unpleasant opponent. You could say stifling. They play a reliable, simple style of hockey, and we play pretty much the same way. I think the series will be very tough, with a lot of battling and collisions. So we’re preparing seriously for this series.
– How do you clear your head while the playoff grind is on?
– We’ve been to the banya with the guys, but mostly I stay at home, sometimes playing video games, – Terekhov said.
Maxim Shalunov, Lokomotiv, Ak Bars, Alexander Makritsky, Stepan Terekhov, KHL, Alexander Radulov, Alexei Marchenko
