Dominik Machovský shouldered the blame after a demanding match for HC Olomouc, admitting he failed to deliver the crucial saves his team needed. In a closely contested Tipsport extraliga matchup, Olomouc dropped a 3–4 decision to Vítkovice, a result that left the coaching staff defending their tactical rotation while the veteran goaltender dissected his defensive lapses.
Goaltending Rotation Sparks Debate in Olomouc
The decision to start Machovský over emerging goaltender Cichoň immediately drew scrutiny following the final whistle. Assistant of the goalkeeper Petr Svoboda addressed the roster choice post-game, explaining the reasoning behind turning to their experienced number-one netminder.
“We talked about potentially leaving Cichoň in goal, but ultimately we gave preference to Machovský,” Svoboda said. “We simply have a plan with our goaltenders and we stand by that.”
Machovský revealed he initially expected Cichoň to maintain the starting role following a strong performance against Kladné. Instead, the coaching staff went in a different direction, placing the veteran back between the pipes.
“The coaches saw it differently and unfortunately I didn’t hold the team,” Machovský said. “A goaltender is there to make an extra save, and I failed to do that.”
Vítkovice Capitalize on Second-Period Flaws
The critical sequences arrived in bunches during a high-tempo middle frame at the stadium. Vítkovice broke through in the 22nd minute when Samuel Kňažko fired a shot from the blue line that slipped through Machovský’s pads, leveling the score at 1–1.
Just 121 seconds later, Vítkovice struck again. Šimon Stránský successfully deflected a powerful blast from Patrik Demel past the Olomouc goaltender, though Machovský had little chance to react to the redirected traffic in front of him.
The deficit grew further in the 34th minute. Brett Holland beat Machovský from the blue line with another shot that found its way between the goaltender’s pads, pushing Vítkovice ahead 3–1.
“The third goal is entirely on me; I can’t be giving up goals like that,” Machovský said. “On the first one, the opponent’s forwards screened well and I deflected it into my own net with my hand.”
Late Rally Falls Short Against Vítkovice Pressure
Despite the multi-goal deficit, the home side mounted a resilient comeback. Olomouc cut the lead to 3–2 before the end of the second period and ratcheted up intense offensive pressure in the final frame. With just three minutes remaining in regulation, Olomouc completed the rally to tie the game at 3–3.
The momentum vanished almost immediately. Jakub Zbořil answered with a decisive blast from the slot that beat Machovský, sealing a 4–3 victory for Vítkovice in the closing moments.
“Every shot, as Dominik Hašek says, can be stopped. But with a bomb like that, it has to hit you, and that didn’t happen. I don’t have luck right now,” Machovský reflected.
Coaching Staff Backs Number-One Goaltender
Despite the frustrating finish, Svoboda offered public support for his goaltender, emphasizing Machovský’s long-term value to the roster.
“He is our number one, he carries us long-term. Sometimes a game simply doesn’t go well,” Svoboda said. The assistant of the goalkeeper pointed the finger at defensive structure rather than goaltending for the game-winner, noting that defensive breakdowns left Zbořil free in the slot.
Svoboda also pointed to a sudden drop in physical energy as a key factor in the defeat. “Suddenly our legs stopped working. I don’t know what happened. Overall, however, nothing can be blamed on the players. They fought until the end. They were close to points, unfortunately. Nothing can be done, we move on.”
