The Czech hockey players in the Boston jersey entertained the NHL, but in the end their team only took a point from the home encounter with Buffalo. The Bruins lost in overtime 3-4.
In the 14th minute, Boston’s Czech trio performed a wonderful interplay. Pavel Zacha tapped the puck to David Krejčí, who drew a pass across the width of the band to his namesake Pastrňák, and the Bruins gunner opened the scoring without preparation.
A great action brought the native of Havířov the 25th goal of the season.
The guests equalized before the first break, even turned the score around in the second half, but faced overwhelming pressure from Boston’s offensive in the final half.
The Bears pressed and got the equalizer on the power play. Pastrňák’s two quick shots in a row didn’t end up in the net, but immediately Patrice Bergeron got through.
Then the Czechs ruled again. Krejčí moved the puck to Pastrňák, who with a wonderful pass found a lonely Brad Marchand on the blue line and finished the escape unerringly.
Boston led again, in addition, six and a half minutes before the end, the visitors received a penalty for 2+2 minutes and after three seconds another two minutes. It looked like the Bruins had the game firmly in hand and another win was in sight.
But the Bruins didn’t take advantage of the huge chances, Buffalo withstood a two-minute double weakening and the subsequent overpowering of the home team and reached the game without a goalkeeper.
Pastrňák could decide in an empty cage, but defender Rasmus Dahlin, as a last resort, stopped his attempt and immediately played an action, at the end of which Dylan Cozens equalized.
Even in extra time, the Czech gunner could have been a hero. An excellent opportunity opened up in front of him, but Pastrňák did not combine speed and puck control. And 67 seconds before the end, Alex Tuch decided on the other side.
Despite the loss, Boston dominates the entire competition.
NHL results:
Boston – Buffalo 3:4 in overtime. (1:1, 0:1, 2:1 – 0:1)
Goals: 14. Parsnip (Tailor, Zach), 46. Bergeron, 53. Marchand (Parsnip, Tailor) – 23 and 64. Tuch, 17. Thompson, 59. Cozens. Shots on goal: 40:25. Spectators: 17,850. Stars of the game: 1. Tuch (Buffalo), 2. Marchand, 3. Bergeron (both Boston).
Columbus – Chicago 4:1 (1:1, 2:0, 1:0)
Goals: 24th and 60th Nyquist, 19th Bemström, 40th Marchenko – 12th Athanasiou. Shots on goal: 38:27. Spectators: 18,280. All-Stars: 1. Nyquist, 2. Korpisalo, 3. Gaudreau (all Columbus).
