TŘINEC, Czech Republic – HC Oceláři Třinec enters a crucial quarterfinal series against Hradec Králové in the 2025/2026 Tipsport Extraliga playoffs, following a successful preliminary round victory. The first game is scheduled for March 20, 2026, at 18:30 local time (17:30 UTC), and will be broadcast live on Sport.cz. This matchup pits a team with a storied playoff history against a determined opponent, setting the stage for a compelling series.
Třinec, historically a consistent contender, has reached the quarterfinal stage in all but one season since 2015/16. Their journey to this point under new head coach Boris Žabka began with a clean sweep of HK Olomouc in the play-in round, winning the series 3-0. While dominant in their shot volume throughout those games, Oceláři secured each victory by a single goal, with two contests decided in overtime – a testament to the competitive nature of the playoffs.
The team’s offensive prowess in the regular season was notable, finishing second in the league in shooting percentage. This ability to capitalize on opportunities has been a hallmark of their recent playoff successes. Třinec also demonstrated solid special teams play, ranking fifth in power play efficiency at 20.59% and fifth in penalty kill success at 84.18%. These areas will undoubtedly be key factors as they navigate the challenges of the quarterfinals.
Goaltender Marek Mazanec has been a standout performer for Třinec in the playoffs, maintaining a goals-against average below one per game and a save percentage nearing 95% through the preliminary round. Defensively, Marian Adámek has been instrumental, leading the team in assists with four, contributing to two-thirds of Třinec’s playoff goals. Yet, Adámek’s availability for the series opener remains uncertain, along with that of forward Marek Daňo. Younger brother Michal Kovařčík excels in the faceoff circle, winning 70 faceoffs with a 68.5% success rate.
Offensively, 35-year-old Libor Hudáček led Třinec in scoring during the regular season with 17 goals and 27 assists, finishing seventh in league-wide point totals. Oscar Flynn followed closely with 13 goals and 22 assists. David Musil, a three-time Masaryk Cup winner, has been a stalwart on defense, blocking a league-leading 103 shots, ranking third in the entire league. Martin Marinčin consistently logs significant ice time, averaging over 19 minutes per game during the regular season.
The transition to Žabka as head coach after Zdeněk Moták’s resignation in December 2025 has presented a new dynamic for the team. Moták, who led Třinec to two championships, stepped down following a loss in Pardubice. Žabka, previously an assistant coach, has emphasized the require for the team to regroup and find a new level of performance. He stated, “We have to acquire back on track. We will continue with Jirka [Raszka] and do our best to make it happen as soon as possible.”
Třinec’s recent struggles in the regular season, finishing near the bottom of the standings, underscore the urgency of their playoff push. Historically, the club has enjoyed a period of dominance, winning the Czech Extraliga five consecutive times, but this season presented a different challenge. The team will need to draw upon its playoff experience and the leadership of its veteran players to overcome this adversity.
The quarterfinal series against Hradec Králové promises to be a test of Třinec’s resilience and adaptability. With key players potentially sidelined and a new coach at the helm, the team faces a significant challenge. However, their strong goaltending, offensive firepower, and playoff pedigree position them as a formidable opponent. Fans can expect a hard-fought series as Třinec aims to continue its pursuit of another championship title.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the second game of the quarterfinal series against Hradec Králové, scheduled for March 22, 2026. Stay tuned to Sport.cz and Archysport for continued coverage and updates throughout the playoffs.
What are your predictions for the Třinec vs. Hradec Králové series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
