Traktor vs. Lokomotiv 2:3 (SO). Press-conference after the match

Tom Rowe, Lokomotiv’s head coach:

We had a good first period. This was a second consecutive away match for us; we adjusted our game given this fact, the atmosphere at the arena and the capabilities of the opposing team. Everything went largely fine. I would also like to commend Semyon Varlamov for his terrific performance.

Valery Belousov, Traktor’s head coach:
I told my players that Loko plays a very dynamic game; it is a very good young, insolent team (in a good sense). This was exactly how it turned out to be. Once again we had to cut the goal deficit during our matches; it has been happening for heck knows how long. It is also a problem to play in three lines because when we have to switch to this mode, players are generally quite tired. As for penalty shootouts, I have picked the most experienced of players; unfortunately, penalty shootout is a lottery, and this time we did not hit our lucky number.

Question to Belousov: What do you make of today’s match in perspective of Kuznetsov’s absence?
Belousov:It’s a pity Yevgeny did not appear on the ice tonight. Hopefully he will back to play in the next away series.

Question to Rowe: Andrey Konev, Traktor alumnus, is currently the part of your team’s roster. Why doesn’t he appear on the ice?
Rowe:The competition is too heavy. These things happen.

Question to Rowe: Did Kartaev not make it to the starting line-up due to the exact same reason?
Rowe:Kartaev performed very well in the previous match. However, we give everyone a possibility to play, especially the young players; that is why he did not take part in tonight’s match.

Question to Belousov: Due to Kuznetsov’s injury Antipov took his place in the first line. Why did you choose him over other possible substitutes?
Belousov:We resorted to that very variant of the first line last season. Besides, we did not want to split the second line; this is why we chose Antipov.

Question to Belousov: Today young Vladimir Zhuldikov was Garnett’s substitute. This is already the sixth goalkeeper for Traktor in this season. What’s the reason behind this?

Belousov:Kuznetsov still falls under the category of young players, so since he was out, we had to include another young player on the roster.

Question to Belousov: Are there any risks involved?
Belousov:Of course there are, we are talking about the rookies, not the wily veterans.

Question to Rowe: Semyon Varlamov is the best Loko’ player in second consecutive match. Does it amaze you?
Rowe:No, it does not. Varlamov is a tremendously talented goaltender.

Question to Rowe: What do you make of Guskov’s performance tonight? Also, when is Curtis Sanford going to appear?
Rowe:Guskov played a decent match; we count on him in the future. Sanford is going to appear in a week.

Question to Belousov: Is there any possibility of Kuznetsov appearing on the ice on Wednesday against Torpedo?
Belousov:No, none whatsoever.