Barons hockey: Defenseman Kirill Tulupov a fan of American steaks and weather

It was more than a goal. It was a game-winner and helped the team achieve what we are heading for. It was a special moment, but I was thinking more for the team than myself.

Why are the Barons playing so well?

The way we stick up for each other and how we battle for each other, it's simply amazing. Everybody is on the same page. Even the skilled guys that have to do all of the skilled pretty things, they are ones battling and throwing bodies. We have learned to be a team, one unit together. We really have a good chemistry with the coaches.

Describe your style of play?

Mean, hard to play against, right in your face, don't mess around, this kind of player. I also have the skills to make the pretty plays.

What do you miss most about your homeland of Russia?

To tell you the truth I miss Russian food and the family. I really miss Russian girls and how pretty they are. And I miss talking in the Russian language.

So you prefer Russian girls over American girls?

I never said that. You always miss whatever is not next to you.