The new trio of the Russian national team went immediately after the landing to the metro station Avtozavodskaya not far from the Ice Palace and laid flowers at a war memorial; at the same place the team did on Victory Day four days ago.

“It’s better to honour the veterans late than never, right?” Kuznetsov said.

“It is very important for us,” Ovechkin replied.

How do you feel?

Ovechkin: In principle okay. Of course there’s big disappointment that Washington lost the Stanley Cup series against Pittsburgh. But I will think about this later. Now I want to focus only on the World Championship. We will try everything possible to win and that our team looks good.

Will you practise today or just say hello to the guys?

Ovechkin: We will go onto the ice. We will skate.

Are you ready to play tomorrow against Switzerland?

Ovechkin: That’s a question for the coach.

Have you been able to talk with Oleg Znarok?

Ovechkin: Just a few words after the series against Philadelphia. But now we have a lot of time to chat.

Did you watch Russia’s 10-1 win against Denmark?

Kuznetsov: Yes, we watched the whole game. We got a very pleasant impression.

How did you spend the last day?

Ovechkin: Yesterday we had a meeting, medical examination and team dinner. Then we flew to Russia.

Were you able to relax on the plane?

“Of course! It was an excellent flight,” the players said, laughingly, and immediately went to the Ice Palace to practise with the Russian national team.

Deplane and right to the ice where Znarok was able to work on the lines with the trio that he said will be playing in tomorrow’s game against Switzerland.