Russia's players react after the first training session

Alexander Ovechkin, Russian national team forward:

- All of the guys have been waiting for this moment. During the summer, I have been training in Moscow, and I did two separate types of workouts. Because of the fact that we haven't played for a long time, these friendly matches will be tough, but they will help us get into shape.

I can say that Nikita Kucherov is a really talented player, and he is one of Tampa's leaders. However, no lines have been confirmed yet, and this was only the first training session.

The exhibition game with Canada in Pittsburgh will be important in terms of acclimatising and understanding the style of play which will be present at the World Cup. It's always interesting to play with the Canadians, and fans in Pittsburgh will know about these matches.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, Russian national team forward:

- I trained together with Nikita Kucherov and Alexander Ovechkin, but who knows which line I will be fitted in to. Nevertheless, Nikita is talented, and it's easy to find common ground with him.

I think that we can compare the World Cup to the Olympic Games. All of the world's best players will compete, and all teams are of the same level. We need to prove that we are stronger, and play our best ice hockey.

It's long been proven than pucks move faster than skaters, and if we make good passing plays, we will have chances to score. We have to get the balance right in defence, at neutral ice and in attack. Everything will depend on the small details.

Dmitry Kulikov, Russian national team defenseman:

- It's obvious just how everyone wants to train. There is very little time before the friendly matches begin, and we have to train with intensity. We know that we are preparing for a very serious tournament.

- Will it be more difficult to play classic ice hockey on the small ice?

- Hockey is changing, and nowadays, you can't make ten passes before entering the attacking zone. Most attacks begin with dumping the puck in. The whole world plays North American ice hockey, and we will try to keep the tempo up and play the same way.

- Friendlies against the Czech Republic are coming up. What will your approach be?

- We always play to win, it's the only option.

Sergei Bobrovsky, Russian national team goaltender:

- Everyone is ready. There is a productive atmosphere within the team, and we are thinking about the scheduled games.

- Is it unusual for you to prepare for the season in Russia?

- Yes, usually I am already skating in America by now. However, I like training in Saint Petersburg, and I love this city.

- What can we expect from the fixtures with the Czech Republic?

- These games are important, but the main matches will be at the tournament. We need to get out team game together during these meetings against the Czechs.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation