Vítkovice is the first finalist in Czech Republic

The game started with a Vítkovice pressure. Its players wanted to show, that they really would like to end the series straightly when they have the first opportunity. And they were really successful. Goaltender Svoboda, who replaced Pardubice’s goalie no.1 Růžička for this game, played in a league game at the end of January for the last time and maybe also this was one of reasons of two quick goals in his net on the turn of the 12th and 13th minute.

Petr Vrána scored the first one after very violent junction into the Pardubice defending lines. The second one came after only 45 seconds of a play: 13 seconds after a post-goal face off a Pardubice captain Koukal fouled and after another 32 seconds the power play was used: Viktor Ujčík scored from a one-timer.

Both pucks have bearded into the net between Svoboda’s legs.

Vítkovice was continuing with an active play but with time increasing its activity lightly faded. Pardubice knew that its players must score two goals if they don’t want to end the season, opened the defensive doors and aimed at the offensive.

Especially on the start of the third period HC EATON was the better club on the ice what culminated into the Koukal’s contact goal. Petr Koukal reclaimed a goal that his team cashed in the first period whereas he was in the penalty box.

Pardubice also scored the second goal in 45 seconds; specifically Barnislav Mezei was the person who made 250 Pardubice fans in the arena happy.

From this moment, the game was really exciting. Both teams were attacking and would like to add the third goal. Closest to it was Viktor Ujčík just 20 seconds before the horn. He was alone ahead of Svoboda, but Svoboda saved the day.

The overtime was also really thrilling with chances on both sides, but with no goals and the shoot-out took place in Ostrava. Svoboda left the net for Růžička again and was watching the shoot-out from the bench.

The first five shots on each side ended on the goaltenders. Only the Vítkovice captain Jiří Burger was able to use the penalty shot (his second in the shootout) and Vítkovice started to celebrate its advancement into the league finals.

Voices of the winners:
I thought that a calm middle of the league standings will be enough for us, but there are the finals coming. It will be my third finals in Vítkovice, I hope this finally will be the winning one!
-Jiří Burger

I admit I had tears in the eyes when Burger scored the winning penalty-shot. It’s like a fairy-tale to me. I didn’t know where I will be catching during July yet, I got a chance from Vítkovice that everyone was underestimating and now we are in the finals!
-Roman Málek

We lost a two-goals lead, but it happens. It was really interesting that we didn’t panic.
-Viktor Ujčík

I could score a winning goal late in the third. It could be nice. But this is not bad too!
-Viktor Ujčík

Maybe this was of victory is a better one, than a 5-0 victory. It’s more sweet!
-Roman Málek

 

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