Czech hockey clubs experienced contrasting fortunes across the continent as the Champions Hockey League group stage continued, with HC Škoda Plzeň and HC Dynamo Pardubice securing victories while Bílí Tygři Liberec remained winless on the road.
Plzeň Overcomes Early Deficit to Edge Tychy
Playing in front of 2,767 spectators at their home arena, HC Škoda Plzeň fought back from an early setback to defeat Polish champion Tychy 2-1. Plzeň dominated the initial territorial play but fell behind in the 11th minute when Knuutinen converted from the left circle past goaltender J. Růžička, who misplayed the puck between his pads from the visitor’s second shot of the match.
The Západočeši pressed heavily for an equalizer, finally breaking through in the 34th minute. Canadian forward Katic circled out from behind the net and beat goaltender Fučík on a backhand shot for his second goal in as many competitive appearances for Plzeň. Trainer Jiří Veber watched forward Rohlík complete the comeback in the 52nd minute with a decisive tally assisted by J. Jeřábek and V. Petman.
Pardubice Blanks Rögle Behind Will’s 32 Saves
HC Dynamo Pardubice kept a clean defensive sheet for the second match, shutting down Rögle 1-0 at the enteria arena in front of 8,583 paying spectators. Goaltender Roman Will turned away all 32 shots faced, including a critical late breakaway stop against Bristedt three minutes before the final horn.
The physical encounter saw tensions boil over past the game’s midpoint, ignited by a foul involving Swedish forward Everberg hitting Tourigny near the head and neck area. The deadlock broke in the 36th minute when defenseman T. Dvořák drove a point shot through traffic, assisted by Čerešňák and Macek. Dynamo successfully weathered late pressure and secured the three points despite missing empty-net opportunities from Stránský in the dying seconds.
Liberec Drops Second Away Decision
Bílí Tygři Liberec failed to break their scoring drought abroad, falling 3-0 to EC Red Bull Salzburg in Austria following an earlier 6-3 defeat against Tappara Tampere. Against Salzburg, Liberec directed 20 shots at goaltender Tolvanen without success, while conceding an early goal to M. Huber in the seventh minute during a Liberec power play.
Despite strong efforts from Filippi, Šimek, and Rychlovský, the North Bohemians could not find an equalizer. Salzburg sealed the result late in regulation as Brooks scored in the 57th minute and Schneider added a third tally in the 58th minute after Liberec pulled their goaltender.
Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
Following these results, Plzeň and Pardubice maintain perfect records in European competition, whereas Liberec remains without a point after two rounds.
