Olympics are probably the most important thing for Russians than any other athletes in the whole world. Since I was a little kid and since everybody was a little kid, their dream was playing in Olympic Games, especially if we have a chance to represent our country in Sochi, it's unbelievable and it's going to be a great thing.

I'm looking forward to playing against Sidney Crosby as much as I am looking forward to playing against all of the other players in the NHL. And there is no rivalry.

I don't care what people say about me and what they think about me. I care about my team and I care about myself. Lots of people watch hockey, and I think everybody has different thinking.

In North America ice was smaller because in Russia we have big ice and this is small ice and it's a more physical game. Russia has more technicals and this has more speed and is a more physical game.

I think I must play how I can, that's all. And if I play my best I'll be happy. It doesn't matter because NHL is the best league in the world and we have great players so whoever the coach puts me with is the best. The coach knows best.

It is good when you score lots of goals, but it is hard.

Fighting is necessary in hockey. But if you fight, you have to choose your partner carefully. If you're an experienced player and you want to fight, you can't choose a player who has never fought in his life.