Anvar Gatiyatulin: we needed this win

Anvar Gatiyatulin, Traktor head coach:
After two recent losses, we were in need of this victory, and we are happy to get it. We stuck to the game plan completely tonight.

Artis Abols, Lada head coach:
I don’t know what to say. Heading here, I was thinking what I would say at the press conference, but I couldn’t think of anything. There was only one team on the ice tonight, and that team was Traktor. I would like to apologize to our fans for my inability to make Lada perform well. Our total lack of readiness was clear early when we had six power play minutes. Not only did we create any chances on goal – there was never an accurate pass. The second period was much better, but we allowed in a three-on-five opportunity. Traktor is a great team, and they deserve to be where they are. They were sort of passive in third period, but it’s understandable, seeing as how they needed to keep the result they wanted, whereas we were so not ready for this game, it’s almost embarrassing.

Question to Abols: Is Mastryukov ready for KHL?
Abols: No, he is not, at least judging by his performance in this game. This was his first game after a long layoff, and I may be kind of harsh on the guy, but I didn’t see any desire and motivation from him tonight.