Andrei Nikolishin: it was equal contest but Lady Luck was on our side

Aleksei Kudashov, Atlant head coach:
- It was a great game with a lot of action. One goal was not enough for us; maybe we have accumulated a lot fatigue since it is our fifth straight away game.

Andrei Nikolishin, interim Traktor head coach:
- I agree with Aleksei, it was a lively game with action aplenty. Both teams gave it their all out there. It was an equally fought matchup, but Lady Luck was on our side.

Question to Nikolishin: Tonight Ruzicka was missing from the lineup. Why?
Nikolishin: Based on few previous games, he did not make the cut. However, this doesn’t mean we gave up on him. He will get his chance.

Question to Nikolishin: Did you really bench Atyushov?
Nikolishin: I can’t answer that question. Each of the four coaches is responsible for their own segments of the game. We will analyze the game later.

Question to Nikolishin: Tonight was your coaching debut. Were youworried?
Nikolishin: Of course,and a lot.But as soon as I saw how motivated the team was, all the worries were gone.

Question to Nikolishin: Traktor played a different game in the second period. How did you manage to motivate the team?
Nikolishin: The team has been motivated for this game throughout the day. The fact that we lost the first twenty doesn’t mean we were not ready. Atlant looked good in the first period and were able to score off of a deflection. It’s great that we managed to turn this game around.

Question to Nikolishin: Chelyabinsk fans know and love you. Did youfeel theirsupport today?
Nikolishin: Absolutely! My friends, acquaintances – everyone who could get through wished me luck.