Andrei Nikolishin: atmosphere in Traktor Arena keeps getting better

Jukka Rautakorpi, Amur head coach:
- I would like to point out the fact that the atmosphere in the arena tonight was nothing short of amazing. We allowed two quick goals but bounced back with three goals scored by the fourth line. However, despite many chances, this game was very tough, and the end result is disappointing for us.

Andrei Nikolishin, Traktor head coach: 
- I agree with my counterpart – the atmosphere in Traktor Arena keeps getting better and better by the game. Our fans never cease to amaze us with how vocal their support is, and we would like to thank them for that. Now, to the game itself – it’s just not right to play back-and-forth games like tonight’s; it makes the fans very nervous. Our fourth line completely flopped in this game, unlike Amur’s. But still, every cloud has a silver lining, and our top line, especially Pare, played a sensational game. Maybe fans want more games like this one, but coaches, they definitely don’t. We want each line to be good; it’s then that the games will be easier and more fun to watch.

Question to Rautakorpi: Yon benched Shafigulin in the third period. Was he injured or were you not satisfied with his performance?
Rautakorpi: We just wanted to introduce new players to the game.

Question to Rautakorpi: Don’t you think that the goal allowed during your team’s power play was the turning point of the game?
Rautakorpi: I agree, it was the turning point of the game.

Question to Nikolishin: Is there a bonus for Pare? Another question – your brief evaluation of the first game sans Vitali Atyushov.
Nikolishin: Pare was congratulated by the coaching staff and his teammates as well from the management. He deserves the accolades, but don’t forget – the whole team worked for this to happen. Now, to Atyushov – he got injured right before the game, so we had to make corrections. Petrov debuted tonight, llya Davydov returned. Some things did not work out quite well, but it’s hockey, these things happen. The most important thing for them is to face these difficulties and overcome them.

Question to Nikolishin: Will Petrov get his chance?
Nikolishin: Of course he will. Understand that everyone makes mistakes; Petrov is no exception, his first game was not a good one.

Question to Nikolishin: You said that the fourth line failed the game, but you still did not shift to a three line game mode. Is that your coaching trademark?
Nikolishin: It’s too early to talk about my trademark decisions. We shifted lines because, and I reiterate myself here, everyone can make mistakes. However, there are those who make these mistakes and get better, and there are those who are broken by these mistakes. We don’t give up on anyone – we want everyone to try to get better.