Anvar Gatiyatulin: we needed this victory very much

Mike Pelino, interim Metallurg Magnitogorsk head coach:
Tonight was an exciting hockey game, I believe the fans did not regret one bit about spending their hard-earned money to buy a ticket. I think we had an advantage in the first two periods, which surprised me a little. However, unnecessary penalties late in the second halted our momentum. Traktor, on their part, played a good game and came away with a victory.

Anvar Gatiyatulin, Traktor head coach:
We had a bad start, however, my boys managed to get it together, and I would like to thank them for that. We evened the game out, started creating scoring chances and got a victory. We needed this victory very much to gain more confidence.

Question to Gatiyatulin: What did you say during the timeout?
Gatiyatulin: I tried to calm the team down and asked them to stick to the game plan.

Question to Gatiyatulin: Did changes in the lines play a part in tonight’s win?
Gatiyatulin: It’s possible.

Question to Pelino: You replaced Vasily Koshechkin with Ilya Samsonov after the second period. Was this move supposed to shake things up, or you were not satisfied with Koshechkin’s performance?
Pelino: I believe Koshechkin is one of the best goaltenders in the league, and throughout the last three seasons, he has proved just that. He also was good tonight, but a couple of goals that went in were unnecessary. The goalie substitution worked against Dinamo Minsk, and I thought it could work there. However, Traktor had something to say about it.

Question to Gatiyatulin: A couple of words on the performance of Sevankayev and Sharov, please?
Gatiyatulin: Sharov was nervous due to lack of experience, but when we shook up the lines a little bit, he ended the game in a confident manner. As far as Sevankayev is concerned, I am glad that he finally scored. He is a great kid.

Question to Gatiyatulin: Unlike the Dinamo Minsk game, Traktor was much more focused late in the game.
Gatiyatulin: Sure, because we made some necessary conclusions.

Question to both coaches: Both Traktor and Metallurg have had two games in two days recently. How difficult is it for the players?
Gatiyatulin: Like I said before, it’s very tough for teams with thinner rosters, like Traktor. Roster depth is what might have saved us against Dinamo Minsk.
Pelino: KHL tried to avoid these games in the first few years of its existence, but now teams have to play like this because of the WCH. Of course it is difficult, but it’s a great challenge for many teams.

Question to Gatiyatulin: Will there be any changes on the lineup in the games to come? And what about the injured guys?
Gatiyatulin: Repik will be back by the end of October; Birner is with team Czech Republic, while Gubarev finally started training. We are going to have to see who is better prepared and then make a decision.

Question to Gatiyatulin: Many are waiting for Mirnov to finally score.
Gatiyatulin: So are we. Igor is also upset that he can’t score. Here’s hoping he will do that in the next game.

Question to Gatiyatulin: When are we going to see the newly signed Alexander Pankov?
Gatiyatulin: He’s not here yet. If he’s in decent enough shape, he might appear against Salavat Yulaev.

Question to Pelino: Is Zaripov out?
Pelino: Well, he missed two games, but he should be back soon.