NEFTEKHIMIK vs. TRAKTOR – 3:1. Press-conference after the match

Valery Belousov, Traktor head coach:
- First two periods were good, but then we made two mistakes and allowed two goals that turned this game around.

Dmitry Balmin, acting Neftekhimik head coach:
- I would like to thank my players for tonight's performance. They gave it their all out there. Finally we outshot our opponent, which was a key to tonight's victory. Despite facing a goal deficit, we kept fighting back and eventually won this match. Once again, I thank my team for their will to win.

Question to Belousov: Is Kuznetsov's absence taking its toll on the team?
Belousov: Of course. We lack quality forwards who can score important goals. Look at our recent stats; one or two goals in a match. That's not the kind of scoring figures you win matches with.

Question to Balmin: What is the reason behind bringing back Samvel Mnatsyan?
Balmin: We don't have enough D-men on the roster; plus, tonight Shulakov got a match penalty.