Internal conflict and the crushing loss of Austria spurred the Czech Republic into action.
Entry: David Pasternak.
With the star in the team, they got off to a great start with a 5-0 lead in a period against Latvia.
“It feels like giving the team a backbone,” says Matthias Norström at FiPlay.
The Czech Republic was selected as a potential gold candidate.
But against Tre Kronor they had to surrender and when they followed the loss also against Austria, the headlines were bitter at home. Add that NHL player Dominik Simon suddenly gave in to a teammate and was sent home, there were plenty of skeptics ahead of the meeting with Latvia.
But there was also David Pasternak. The Boston star stepped into the team and completely dominated.
“One of the best players in the world”
In the first period, his streak with Roman Cervinca and David Kriegsey took a total of six points, and Pasternak sometimes did what he liked in the attacking area. He played himself up to 2-0 for Servenka and then set 5-0 at the end of the real drain for the period.
It was such an answer that we needed, we weren’t very good last time against Austria, says David Krejci in the break interview in Viaplay.
He was also pleased with the reinforcements in the series.
– He’s one of the best players in the whole world so obviously you want him in the team.
Then the Czech Republic slowed and fell on the sled to win 5-1.
– In addition to what he does on the ice, he gives the team heart. Pastrnak does a lot more besides goals and assists, says Mattias Norström.
