Andrei Nikolishin: Lokomotiv wanted this win more

Andrei Nikolishin, Traktor head coach:
- Congratulations to Lokomotiv on a great performance and a well-deserved victory. The first half of the game was equally matched, then, Loko showed that they wanted this game more than did Traktor and scored two goals due to our defensive lapses. After that, unfortunately, we could not do anything to try and save this game.

Alexei Kudashov, Lokomotiv head coach:
- Both opponents started off rather slowly tonight. After that, we were able to find Traktor's soft spot and scored two important goals. Then, we chose to hang on to the lead; plus, Traktor had to do something to salvage the game, and it became a little bit easier for us.

Question to Kudashov: Reason behind Enlund’s absence?
Kudashov: Enlund is injured.

Question to Kudashov: Did you decide to give Ilyenko some ice time after the second or the third goal?
Kudashov: Two goal differential is not a big one, so we decided to wait. After we scored the third one, we let him into the game.

Question to Kudashov: Are we to expect more players from Lokomotiv’s MHL team, Loko, after Polunin and Ilyenko did not look out of place?
Kudashov: Hard to say. I think those that do good will get their chance on the main roster. For now, Polunin and Ilyenko are the best in Loko. I would also like to say that we are constantly monitoring our MHL and VHL teams, and the players who perform well there get called up to the main roster.

Question to Kudashov: Some time ago you said during a press conference that you don’t know the recipe for a shutout game. Right after, Lokomotiv shuts the door in three consecutive hockey games. You finally got the recipe, don’t you?
Kudashov: No. I would like to reiterate – there is no such recipe. It’s all about skaters’ and goalies’ will to win. You should probably ask them about this recipe.

Question to Kudashov: The schedule is rather tough on your team – six games in twelve days. Are you somehow correcting the preparation process based on this schedule?
Kudashov: Yes, we are set to play 10 games in 21 days. There is no use complaining though – everyone is in the exact same conditions. And of course, as with any other team, we have adjusted; basically, we have no training sessions now. The day after the game is reserved for recuperating and preparation of strategy for the next opponent.