Metallurg Magnitogorsk vs. Traktor 3:0. Press-conference after the match

Valery Belousov, Traktor’s head coach:
What could I say? Individual skills of some of Metallurg’s players were a deciding factor in tonight’s game. That pretty much sums it up.

Paul Maurice, Metallurg’s head coach:
Today was a great match with super atmosphere and a lot of power game from both sides. We are very happy with our performance tonight; and hats off to our goaltender, Ari Ahonen, who was able to keep a clean sheet.

Question to Belousov: When will Kontiola return on the ice and how much does it influence the team?
Belousov: Of course we lost one of our centers, and that is a sizeable loss. I hope he will be back when we return from the away series.

Question to Belousov: Rate Lemtyugov’s performance in tonight’s matchup.
Belousov: He is a talented player; plus he can score. It was his first game tonight; I believe he will get better by each game.

Question to Maurice: Do you follow U-20 World Cup? How surprising is it for you that team Canada failed to get to the finals?
Maurice: There’s little left in junior hockey that surprises me. Nevertheless, it’s more interesting in the same time because the emotional factor plays a larger role than in adult hockey. Any team can come up with a win on any given night. Of course Russia and Canada are two hockey super powers, but no luck for them this time; this happens sometimes.