Traktor - SKA. Press-conference

HC SKA head coach Oleg Znarok:

- First of all, I congratulate Traktor with their win. We played well in the first period, but took too many penalties in the second. It's good that we managed to hold off their five on three. Overall, we should have scored on our chances, however our nerves took their toll. We know that all teams will play hard against us.

- Before taking on the role as SKA coach, did you speak to your father about the prospect of managing both a club and the national team?

- My parents were at the game today, we met yesterday too. My father always supports me, just like my mother, but I had a long think for myself about taking on the job. Time will tell if I made the right decision.

- Sum up Pavel Datsyuk's performance.

- He did his job, and fulfilled all of his duties as a centre forward and team captain.

HC Traktor Chelyabinsk head coach Anvar Gatiyatulin:

- We knew who we were playing against, and as a result, we prepared seriously. The guys followed the game plan, and we managed to score our goals and win.

- What were your tactics?

- To play tight defence. SKA have one of the best attacking lines in the KHL, but we had to shoot pucks too.

- Traktor took only one penalty.

- We knew how SKA would play on the powerplay, and we told our guys to keep sticks down and not foul.

- What happened with your powerplay? And how are Vladimir Denisov and Jiri Novotny?

- Yes, we aren't playing well on the powerplay. We have to just keep on working and training. Vladimir Denisov will return after the 8th of September. I will not say anything about Jiri Novotny.