Spartak vs. Traktor 4:5 (SO). Press-conference after the match
Valery Belousov, Traktor’s head coach:
I believe Spartak deserved a win
tonight. It’s great that we were able to save the matchup. Defense’s
performance tonight was horrendous; it was due to their mistakes that I had to
substitute the goaltender and switch to three lines mode. Once again though, I
would like to thank my players for their resiliency.
Andrey Sidorenko, Spartak’s head coach:
We thoroughly prepared for this match since we were up against one of the
overall league leaders. We played the ideal 50 minutes of the game; but then we
lost our focus, made several mistakes, allowed an illogical third goal; next
thing you know the score was tied. Of course it’s a shame that we lost the
match that we had seemingly won, but nonetheless, I would like to commend my
players for their heart and will to win.
Question to Sidorenko: Did you consider pulling the goaltender in the
overtime when your team had a power play?
Sidorenko:Yes, we did, but decided
not to.
Question to Sidorenko: Your choice of players for the penalty shootout
was somewhat surprising.
Sidorenko:Zhukov used to begin penalty shootouts for us. Besides, Khoklachev
usually performs his penalty shot in a different manner, but tonight he changed
it and, unfortunately, could not put the puck away.