Czech hockey players in Boston jerseys entertained the NHL, but in the end their team took only one point from their home match against Buffalo. The Bruins lost in overtime 3-4.
In the 14th minute, the Czech trio from Boston performed a wonderful interplay. Pavel Zacha aimed the puck at David Krejčí, who drew a pass down the wing to his namesake Pastrňák, and the Bruins’ scorer opened the scoring without preparation.
A great action brought the Havířov native to his 25th goal of the season.
The visitors equalized before the first break, even turned the score around in the second half, but faced overwhelming pressure from Boston’s offense in the final half.
The Bears pressed and got the tie on the power play. Pastrňák’s two quick shots in a row did not end up on goal, but Patrice Bergeron was quick to score.
Then the Czechs ruled again. Krejčí moved the puck to Pastrňák, who with a wonderful pass found a solitary Brad Marchand on the blue line and finished the break unerringly.
Boston was ahead again, moreover, six and a half minutes before the end, the guests were awarded 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 the offing.
But the Bruins did not take advantage of the big chances, Buffalo withstood a two-minute double run down and subsequent overpowering by the hosts and entered the game without a goalkeeper.
Pastrňák could have decided with an empty cage, but defender Rasmus Dahlin, as a last resort, stopped his attempt and immediately played a play, after which Dylan Cozens equalised.
Even in extra time the Czech gunner could have been a hero. An excellent opportunity opened up before him, but Pastrňák did not combine speed and control of the puck. 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).
