SKA vs. Traktor 5:1. Press-conference after the match
Valery
Belousov, Traktor’s head coach:
We had a decent showing in the first two periods,
playing a disciplined hockey. I asked my players to continue doing the same
thing in the third, but SKA managed to pull off a couple of counterattacks and
put the game away.
Jukka
Jalonen, SKA’s head coach:
Great result for us tonight. 5:1 against a strong team
like Traktor is a great accomplishment. However, I don’t think the four-goal
difference reflects the game; the match was largely equal. Traktor controlled
the game in the first period; we were better in the second and were able to
convert our chances in the third period.
Question
to Belousov: Why does Chistov have such a bad +\- index?
Belousov: We play shorthanded a lot, that’s all. However, I don’t think
Chistov’s -7 index is such a bad thing; we just have to get less penalties and
score more.
Question
to Jalonen: How did you like Kucheryavenko’s line tonight?
Jalonen: They had some
problems in the second period, but then they regrouped and played decent hockey
in the third period. It’s important that they play consistent hockey because
with the playoffs around the corner we need every line to be as effective and useful
as possible.
Question
to Jalonen: Are there going to be any acquisitions for SKA in the nearest
future?
Jalonen: Well, we have several days before the transfer window closes. All I
can tell is that I don’t know a lot about new players. Let’s wait and see;
maybe team’s management will come up with something.
Question
to Jalonen: Does this mean you don’t discuss transfer policy with SKA’s
management?
Jalonen: Of course I
do, but here’s the thing – right now there aren’t many names that can make our
team stronger. All in all, if we can’t sign anybody, we will work with the
current roster.
Question
to Jalonen: How would you rate Kasutin’s debut tonight?
Jalonen: He was very calm and played a great game. Allowing only one goal in a
tough match like tonight’s is a great result. We have two great goalies now,
and that is a nice thing to know.