Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeny Malkin speak about the match against Canada

Alexander Ovechkin, Russian national team forward:

- The third day of acclimatization is the toughest, you feel like sleeping all the time. Nevertheless, I think that this match will help us for the future.

- First goals are always important. Are you disappointed that you missed your chance in the first period?

- There was no space given in today's game. We should have played better at equal strength, but the quality of the ice was poor. The puck was even bouncing around at the end of the match.

- After not making anything happen on the powerplay, you scored with your favourite shot.

- Evgeny Malkin took a Canadian player out of the game after a faceoff win, Artemiy Panarin gave a great pass and I scored.

- Overall, how would you rate your special teams?

- There is some misunderstanding. There are only three days left before the tournament begins.

- Is a three on three overtime unpredictable?

- Yes, one mistake decides the game. Canada caught us out while we were making a change, their player was left alone on the blue line.

- What impressions do you have from playing with Pavel Datsyuk and Nikita Kucherov?

- We did a good job. It was an untidy first period, however we did better later on. It's up to Oleg Znarok if we will stay in one line together.

- Sidney Crosby's line caused Russia a lot of problems.

- They understand each other brilliantly and are all top ice hockey players. You can't give them time with the puck.

- Was this more than just a friendly match?

- Of course. When we got back in the locker room, I saw that all of my family and friends had sent me text messages. Despite the loss, we had a good match.

Evgeny Malkin, Russian national team forward:

- We could have won this match. Later on, we will watch back the video and make our conclusions. It was great to play against Canada, our confidence has risen and we will be in good shape for the World Cup.

- What went wrong?

- Playing against the Olympic champions, we felt the pressure. In the first period, we couldn't get out of our own zone. During the break, we had a talk and we began to keep possession and take control of the game. 

- Sergei Bobrovsky pulled off 45 saves.

- It's our fault for giving Canada too many shooting lanes. It was too easy for them to get to our net, but it's great that we have Sergei. He put in a fantastic performance. In the future, we have to block more pucks.

- Three on three overtime is almost like penalty shots.

- Both teams were in the same boat. We had a two on one break away, and after not scoring, Canada punished us. They got lucky.

- Sidney Crosby and his line mates made life difficult for Russia.

- His line was Canada's most dangerous one. They all understand each other perfectly. Any player can pair up with Sidney.

- Soon, you will play Sweden, one of your personal favourite opponents.

- Yes, usually I do well against them. Thank you for putting me in a better mood! Hopefully, luck will be on our side in that game. It's a short competition, every match is crucial. Mistakes are unacceptable.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation