Yevgeny Katichev: we will try to make as few mistakes against Avangard as possible

Yevgeny, last year you scored game one’s winning goal in the series against Avangard. Do you remember?
I do. It’s great to score in the playoffs, especially if it brings the victory for your team. As for this goal, some of my friends keep saying ‘Come on, you have to upset Avangard this year as well!’

Back in the day Mechel had a strong pair of D-men, Yevgeny Katichev-Anton Belov. Anton has recently become one of Avangard’s leaders and is a fixture in the national team. Do you still keep in touch with him?
Yes, we do keep in touch with each other. He’s a good man and a very positive influence.

Any secrets how to play against him?
Traktor has Yevgeny Kuznetsov who can give him a lot of trouble.

What mistakes did Traktor make last year in the lost conference finals and what does the team need to do to avoid them this time around?
Well, as the saying goes, to err is human; with that being said, this time we will try to make as few mistakes as possible to overcome Avangard and get in the conference finals.

Do you think Traktor has enough strength to beat Avangard?
Of course! We are the team, we stand for each other. Traktor was trailing 0:2 to Barys and eventually won the series; we love difficult situations and getting out of these situations.

Both Traktor and Avangard had 7-game first round series. Do you think both teams spent equal amount of energy?
Yes, I think we are in equal position. Personally I think it’s better to have seven games instead of four.

Why?
You keep yourself in rhythm. Those teams that won their series 4:0 have had a long rest, and sometimes it can backfire on them.

During this regular season Traktor and Avangard played twice (4:3 SO in Omsk and 4:6 in Chelyabinsk). Did Avangard look impressive in these two outings?
Every match is unique; there’s no use recalling these matches. It’s playoffs time; things are different here than in the regular season.