2012/2013 Playoffs. Game 4, Traktor vs. Ak Bars 5:6 (OT). Press-conference after the match
Valery Belov, Ak Bars’ head coach:
I would like to thank both teams for a great match. It was very difficult to prepare for this game. Yesterday we touched upon the topic of paired matches with sudden death overtimes. Here’s an example for you – one of our players returned to the hotel at 6 am after doping control, and in 12 hours he had to appear on the ice. Both teams were exhausted, but still managed to pull off a great match.
Valery Belousov, Traktor’s head coach:
When the score was 5-3, we believed too early that it was our game and paid for it. Two lapses, two quick goals. The overtime goal is forwards’ mistake.
Question to Belov: Who was this player that came back at 6 am?
Belov: You want to me to name him?
Yes, if you will. Just interested to know who that hero is.
Belov: Immonen.
Question to both coaches: How did the process recovery after yesterday’s game go? The players themselves said that they would be dragging their feet on the ice, but it turned out to be the opposite.
Belov: We just had a good sleep.
Belousov: Same here.
Question to Belov: At the top of the second period Morozov and Zaripov did not leave the bench for five minutes. Fatigue factor?
Belov: I don’t know, maybe we just forgot about them (laughs).
Question to Belousov: During your storied career did you have a loss more stinging than tonight’s?
Belousov: I’ve had many of them, so I got used to them. It’s simple – the players did not realize how important the power play and the closing minutes of the third period were.
Question to Belousov: What happened during this power play?
Belousov: I don’t know, everyone wanted to score, I guess.
Question to Belousov: What are you going to say to your team to motivate them for game 5?
Belov: It’ll be interesting to hear…
Belousov: We have to cool down a bit and work on our mistakes; then we will choose the strategy and be motivated accordingly.
I would like to thank both teams for a great match. It was very difficult to prepare for this game. Yesterday we touched upon the topic of paired matches with sudden death overtimes. Here’s an example for you – one of our players returned to the hotel at 6 am after doping control, and in 12 hours he had to appear on the ice. Both teams were exhausted, but still managed to pull off a great match.
Valery Belousov, Traktor’s head coach:
When the score was 5-3, we believed too early that it was our game and paid for it. Two lapses, two quick goals. The overtime goal is forwards’ mistake.
Question to Belov: Who was this player that came back at 6 am?
Belov: You want to me to name him?
Yes, if you will. Just interested to know who that hero is.
Belov: Immonen.
Question to both coaches: How did the process recovery after yesterday’s game go? The players themselves said that they would be dragging their feet on the ice, but it turned out to be the opposite.
Belov: We just had a good sleep.
Belousov: Same here.
Question to Belov: At the top of the second period Morozov and Zaripov did not leave the bench for five minutes. Fatigue factor?
Belov: I don’t know, maybe we just forgot about them (laughs).
Question to Belousov: During your storied career did you have a loss more stinging than tonight’s?
Belousov: I’ve had many of them, so I got used to them. It’s simple – the players did not realize how important the power play and the closing minutes of the third period were.
Question to Belousov: What happened during this power play?
Belousov: I don’t know, everyone wanted to score, I guess.
Question to Belousov: What are you going to say to your team to motivate them for game 5?
Belov: It’ll be interesting to hear…
Belousov: We have to cool down a bit and work on our mistakes; then we will choose the strategy and be motivated accordingly.
