Karri Kivi: players should understand that they have to enjoy the game

Karri Kivi, Traktor head coach:
Congratulations to our opponents on tonight’s victory. We seem to have problems with beginning of matches. I really don’t know what the reason behind this is – it may be psychological pressure or other factors like the effects of last season or problems with adaptation to new coaching staff. This is a thing we should try to get rid of. For the second straight match the arena is filled to capacity, and we cannot let our fans down.

Vyacheslav Bykov, SKA head coach:
It’s been a long time since I visited my hometown. It was great to see my family and the city. I hate the fact that we delivered a crushing blow to Traktor, but that is hockey. The start of the game was a little nervous, but two quick goals allowed us to relieve the pressure. Salak saved us on several exchanges, we hung on and increased the lead.

Question to Kivi: Did you believe that Traktor could beat SKA?
Kivi: Of course we did, and that might have played in our favor. Obviously, SKA is a great team with a great coach and one of the favorites to win the Cup, but our players might have used to their own advantage and enjoyed the game and the chance to beat such a great team. However, I still don’t know why we keep playing so timidly.

Question to Bykov: You are back in KHL after three years. In your opinion, what has changed? Has the overall level of the league increased?
Bykov: The game has obviously become quicker, but that is a trend that is observed in general. Team rosters have become younger in average too, and I think it is only going to get even more interesting to play because the new rules and rink sizes all point to the game becoming even more dynamic.

Question to Bykov: Does sending Ezhov to Lada mean you are sure in the two goalies that you now have?
Bykov: I believe Ilya should become a #1 goalie.

Question to Kivi: Michael Garnett was conspicuous by his absence from tonight’s lineup. Is this because Demchenko has been playing really well from Chelmet or because Michael is injured?
Kivi: Michael is injured and cannot participate in hockey games. His recovery is going to take two more weeks or so.

Question to Kivi: Does Traktor need new players?
Kivi: Yes, we are going to discuss it with team management. There are a couple of guys from Chelmet that we can call up. Nonetheless, I am still sure the players that the team has now has not reached their full potential, and this is what we have to be working on. We have leaders that have not been showing their A-game so far.

Question to Kivi: Traktor allows goals right before the horn for a second straight game. Tonight the team allowed two, and they have sealed its fate. What is thereason? Lossof focus, maybe far-from-idealphysical shape?
Kivi: I don’t pay much attention to when these goals were allowed. The main objective right now is to persuade players that they have to enjoy the game they play and get energy from the fans that fill the arena, and not vice versa. Of course, matches like tonight’s are a dime a dozen on the way to building a better team, and we have to get through them.

Question to Bykov: What is the reason behind Ilya Kovalchuk’s impressive performance this season? How did you motivate him?
Bykov: He works a lot. It is because of his desire and hard work that he is where he is right now. We just give him the opportunity to show his talent.

Question to Bykov: SKA has a bunch of Chelyabinsk hockey school alums. How would you describe their performance in general? And, by the way, isn’t it sad that so many talented players leave Chelyabinsk to play in other teams?
Bykov: Handcuff them or something, then they would not leave. Honestly, I don’t know the answer to that question. The fact that players from my hometown play for my team is great. Today though, Panarin could not appear on the ice – fell ill. Otherwise, having players from Chelyabinsk is always great.