NHL Star Reflects on 300 Games, Team Chemistry, and Injury Challenges

BOSTON (from our reporter) – “I couldn’t even imagine as a kid that I could play 300 games, let alone score 300 points,” smiled the 27-year-old champion from Prague, who had a fresh scar under his eye that had been sewn up with several stitches. “We collided with Matthew Poitras, I hit him in the helmet. But I always had facial injuries from my own players, both from pucks and hockey sticks. You don’t expect that at all, you try to focus on your opponent and a teammate comes to you…”

The beginning of the year was certainly not according to your expectations, did it take you by surprise?

He wasn’t. But now I’m very happy that it finally started and I got to the 300. I have to continue like this.

You only had 3 points from the previous 14 matches. What was it?

I thought about it. Especially after matches, when you want to help the team and you get a lot of minutes. But we didn’t do very well overall, so it’s even more difficult when you play the big minutes and don’t score. I’ve never had a start like that in Boston. But I think we’re getting over it now. As a team, we have much better matches, our lines also have better chances. So I think it will go up again.

Do you remember your first points in the NHL, when you were the sixth pick in the draft in New Jersey for Patrik Eliáš?

I remember one point, a forward recording right from the bull. And then his first goal in Florida. I got a forehand from the right side by… Who was that (Beau Bennett)? And I shot it up.

After the first game in the NHL, which was also the last for the Devils of the season, you averaged two points per game in the statistics all summer.

That then quickly fell the following year. (laughs) But I was mostly very happy that I could play at least that one match. I was supposed to play two, but I lost my stuff from the junior in Sarnia, that’s what I remember. And then I went to Albany in the AHL for the playoffs. After the junior season, I was able to play adult hockey. It was a good start for another career.

You have now started your tenth season in the NHL. what is she like

In the beginning, we played a lot with (Elias) Lindholm and with Pasta. A lot of games we had good chances but the chemistry wasn’t there at all, sometimes you just catch it and sometimes you don’t. When I was put in line with Krejča (David Krejčí) and Paste, it clicked right away. But some things are not as one would imagine. The coach told me before the season that he would put us together and then we would see what and how.

So plan B came up.

When the team isn’t doing well, it had to be a bit of a mess. Our coach often does this, that even if the team is doing well, he tries to find out, for example, the composition of the lines for the future, if things don’t go well. Like how we played now with Coyle and Brazeau, who are big and strong players. If it is necessary to put us on some good lines and defend them, we know that it will not be a bad combination. But now our coach is mixing it up even more. Then you also wonder if you’re even playing well when the lines rotate like that. I played center, left wing, right wing, so it was a bit harder to prepare before the game. But I’ve been here ever since. I also came to Boston so that they could use me anywhere.

Being versatile is highly valued today.

That was one of the things that got the manager (Sweeney) interested, that I would be able to play wing and centre, weak and power forward. That’s why they took me. When I came here, I knew I couldn’t play center right away because Krejčí, Patrice Bergeron and these players were here, so I’ll go to the wing. If I couldn’t do that, I wouldn’t have been traded to Boston that year. But for the last two years, I prefer to play center.

It paid off when you now swept a bouncy puck under the crossbar between the hoops against Calgary.

It was already such an angry goal. I haven’t changed anything for a long time, so I tried to give it the biggest shot and hoped it would go there. Of course everyone tells me to shoot more. But that also depends on the teammates. When you have Pastrňák next to you, I give him a lot of pucks. He wants me to shoot more, too, but that’s one of the things I’ve always enjoyed, finding players and giving them chances. But I have to shoot more to connect with some players, because the opponents are already expecting me to pass to David. But when you know he scores a lot of goals and is a great scorer, I just try to look for him.

However, even a star of Pastrňák’s caliber was mercilessly benched by your coach in the game against Seattle after a faulty pass.

If the coach is not happy with the game, it doesn’t matter what kind of player it is. For others, it’s a (message) that no one is guaranteed a place in the team, when David can be benched, that must have crossed every player’s mind, not just the guys from the fourth line. For the rest of us, it was eye-opening to know that anyone could be benched by the coach.

That certainly wouldn’t happen to Pastrňák in his childhood… Did your triumph at the WC this year resonate here in Boston?

Of course, our teammates congratulated us immediately after the championship, they also saw the crowds at Staromák, which was great. They wished us that it was a good tournament, I didn’t even expect it, it’s not watched that much here.

You ended up having a shorter summer, almost like you were playing in the Stanley Cup Finals.

I left the Czech Republic quite early, but extending the season was great, winning the last game is always great. Whether it’s the Stanley Cup or the World Cup, I enjoyed coming and winning. We will be a group forever and we will remember it every year.

The title celebrations were probably enough, Pastrňák also had a wedding.

And beautiful! All in all, that summer was great because we were able to celebrate his life outside of hockey, meet teammates we haven’t seen for a long time, we also met Krejča there. I think everyone knows how to prepare for the season, even if they have a month less to do it.

Are you still in contact with Krejčí? A player of his ability is probably missing from the Bruins right now.

He was here a few times last year and is headed to see us again. We text each other sometimes, he calls after matches, asks us how we are. It’s great for me, I’ve only played with him for a year, but it’s great to have the kind of friendship we built in that one season in Boston.

A Glimpse into the Life of an NHL Player

BOSTON – So, picture it: a 27-year-old hockey champion from Prague, sitting there with a fresh scar under his eye that looks like he just got in a fight with a particularly vicious piece of ice. You know, the usual café chit-chat. “I couldn’t even imagine as a kid that I could play 300 games, let alone score 300 points,” he says, flashing a grin that’s somehow as charming as it is battle-scarred. Well, that’s exactly how most of us feel after a game of Monopoly!

This fella’s been having a rocky start this NHL season. Three points in 14 games? Ouch. It’s like being the only person in a group chat every time the puck is passed around, right? But fear not, hockey fans, he’s finally hit the 300 mark, which is a bit more exciting than finding a fiver in your winter jacket pocket! “I wasn’t surprised, but now I’m very happy that it finally started,” he says, as if he just discovered coffee.

You know the drill: you want to help the team, get those minutes, and yet it’s a bit like trying to catch a fish with your bare hands when you’re not scoring. “Especially after matches when you want to help the team… But we didn’t do very well,” he confesses. Classic case of being the over-eager teammate!

Now, let’s time travel a bit back to the NHL debut—cue the nostalgia! Our hero recalls his first points as a sixth pick. “I remember one point, a forward recording right from the bull,” he says. Sounds like a fine combination of hockey and an abstract impressionist painting. But hey, at least he scored, which is more than we can say for a lot of our school-year crushes!

Fast forward a decade in the NHL, and oh boy! “In the beginning, we played a lot with (Elias) Lindholm and Pasta.” It’s like a culinary experience on ice! But, spoiler alert: sometimes chemistry clicks and sometimes you’ve just got a ruined soufflé. “When I was put in line with Krejča and Pasta, it clicked right away,” he muses, clearly relishing the magic that hockey can dish out—when it does dish it out, that is!

Playoffs, line-ups, and shifts are all part of hockey life, much like the changing of the seasons—though, I daresay, much less appealing when the coach juggles players like a circus pro. “I played center, left wing, right wing. It was a bit harder to prepare before the game,” he admits. Yeah, it’s hard out there for a versatile player! It’s like being a Swiss Army knife on a roller coaster—where do you fit in?

But, versatility has earned him street cred with the management. “That was one of the things that got the manager (Sweeney) interested,” he admits. Must have been sweet-talking on skates! “When I came here, I knew I couldn’t play center right away,” he adds, a phrase that most of us level up in life would relate to when applying for a job but not knowing anything about it!

Then there’s the shooting business. Trust me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. “Everyone tells me to shoot more,” he chuckles. Funny how teammates can be more like parents sometimes—don’t forget to eat your veggies and shoot the puck, kiddo! “That also depends on the teammates,” he reasons wisely, as if reading parenting manuals.

There’s a wild story about star player Pastrňák getting benched. “If the coach is not happy with the game, it doesn’t matter who you are.” Oh yeah, that will keep them on their toes; nothing says “I love you” like a seat on the bench, huh?

After all that drama, the World Cup proves that there’s still a fondness for victory. “Of course, our teammates congratulated us immediately after the championship.” Because nothing says team spirit like a little envy over picturesque parades back home, right?

To sum it all up: hockey is not just a game; it’s an emotional rollercoaster where stitches tell stories, coaches put everyone on notice, and scoring is as sweet as Pastrňák’s wedding cake! So here’s to the rides, the tribulations, and that glorious moment each player finds their fit on the ice. Grab a snack, folks; this season is just getting started!

BOSTON (from our reporter) – “As a child, I never fathomed that I would reach milestones like playing in 300 games, let alone scoring 300 points,” the 27-year-old hockey champion from Prague remarked with a grin, displaying a fresh scar under his eye that bore testament to an intense collision during a game. “The incident happened when I collided with Matthew Poitras, and my stick accidentally hit his helmet. Surprisingly, I’ve often received facial injuries from my own teammates—be it from flying pucks or errant hockey sticks. It’s a shock to be injured by someone on your side when you’re focused on the opposing team…”

The beginning of the year was certainly not according to your expectations, did it take you by surprise?

He wasn’t caught off guard. However, I am genuinely thrilled that I’ve finally reached the milestone of 300 points. Now, my goal is to maintain this momentum and keep pushing forward.

You recorded only 3 points in your previous 14 matches. What was going on during that period?

I spent a significant amount of time reflecting on that situation. Especially after games, I often felt the weight of wanting to contribute to the team’s success, especially considering the minutes I was playing. It’s disheartening when you’re given substantial ice time yet your team isn’t performing well, which makes it even tougher to score. I’ve never experienced such a challenging start while playing in Boston, but I’m optimistic that we’re turning things around now. As a cohesive unit, we’ve been performing much better lately, and our lines are creating more scoring opportunities. I believe our performance will improve steadily.

Do you recall your first points in the NHL, being the sixth overall pick in the draft by New Jersey alongside Patrik Eliáš?

Absolutely! I vividly remember my initial point, which was a forward assist right from the face-off circle. My first goal came against Florida, where I scored a nice forehand shot from the right side after receiving a pass from the likes of Beau Bennett. That moment was electric, and I cherish those memories greatly.

After the first game in the NHL, which was, ironically, the final game for the Devils that season, you ended up with an incredible average of two points per game throughout the summer.

That level of performance was short-lived! (laughs) Nevertheless, I was overwhelmingly happy just to have played that one match. Initially, I was supposed to get two games in, but I misplaced my gear back when I was playing junior with Sarnia, a detail that vividly stands out in my memory. Following that, I transitioned to Albany in the AHL for the playoffs. Experiencing adult hockey right after my junior season was certainly an uplifting beginning to what would develop into a fulfilling career.

You have embarked on your tenth season in the NHL. What has this journey been like for you?

At the start of this season, I found myself playing a lot alongside (Elias) Lindholm and Pastrňák. Although we had several games where we created good chances, the chemistry just wasn’t there. It’s odd how sometimes it clicks right away; when I was paired with Krejčí (David Krejčí) and Pastrňák, our connection was immediate. The coach assured me at the beginning of the season that we would be trying out different combinations to see what fit best.

So plan B came into play.

When the team’s performance dips, it can indeed feel chaotic. Our coach frequently experiments with line combinations, even amidst a series of successful games. He looks for future line compositions, especially in challenging times, much like when we paired up with Coyle and Brazeau, two robust players. If adjustments are necessary, we recognize that creating strong combinations will help fortify the team. The coach has been mixing things up even more lately, which can lead to self-doubt about your performance when the lines are in constant rotation. I’ve found myself playing center, left wing, and right wing, making it a bit challenging to prepare for matchups. Yet, I’ve always embraced the versatility, as I joined Boston with the intention of being adaptable across multiple positions.

Being versatile is highly valued today.

This versatility was one of the key factors that intrigued manager Sweeney when I was being evaluated for the team. The ability to juggle both wing and center positions, and switch between weak and power play roles, is what made me an appealing acquisition. Upon arriving in Boston, I understood that stepping into a center role might not be possible right away because of seasoned players like Krejčí and Patrice Bergeron on the roster. If I couldn’t adapt, I might not have been traded here. Though over the last couple of seasons, I’ve grown to prefer the center position.

It paid off when you skillfully swept a bouncing puck under the crossbar against Calgary.

That was one of those ‘angry goals’ for me! I hadn’t scored anything in a while, so I aimed to unleash my biggest shot and just hoped it would find the net. Everyone consistently encourages me to take more shots. However, the dynamic with teammates plays a large role in that, especially when I’m sharing the ice with Pastrňák, as I tend to pass him the puck quite a bit. He’s just as eager for me to shoot more, but my instinct has always been about setting my teammates up for scoring opportunities. However, I do understand that I need to shoot more often to keep opponents from anticipating my next move, since they expect me to pass to David, knowing how prolific a scorer he is.

However, even a star of Pastrňák’s caliber was mercilessly benched by your coach in the game against Seattle after a faulty pass.

When the coach feels dissatisfied with a player’s performance, no one is immune—regardless of their status or talent. Seeing someone like David being benched serves as a crucial reminder to the entire team that no one is guaranteed their position. It sends a clear message to every player that accountability is paramount, transforming our perspective on teamwork.

Did your triumph at the World Championship this year resonate here in Boston?

Absolutely! Our teammates were quick to congratulate us right after we secured the championship, and many witnessed the celebrations back home in Prague at Staromák, which were incredibly heartwarming. To my surprise, the excitement and acknowledgment from my fellow players exceeded my expectations given that the tournament often flies under the radar here.

You ended up having a shorter summer, almost as if you experienced the intensity of playing in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Leaving the Czech Republic was early for me, but extending the season was delightful; winning that last game is an unparalleled feeling. Whether it’s the Stanley Cup or the World Cup, the joy of coming out on top stays with you. The bond formed within that group will be cherished forever, serving as an annual reminder of our achievement.

The title celebrations were probably enough; Pastrňák also had his wedding.

Indeed, what a beautiful occasion that was! Overall, that summer was truly special because it allowed us to revel in our victories outside the rink, reconnecting with teammates we hadn’t seen for ages, Krejčí included. I believe everyone has appropriately planned for the season, even with a shorter window to prepare.

Are you still in contact with Krejčí? A player of his caliber is likely missed by the Bruins right now.

Krejčí has visited a few times over the past year, and he plans to see us again soon. We keep in touch through text and calls, frequently checking in after games. Though I only shared one season with him, the friendship we forged during that time in Boston holds a special place for me.

Ston?

Absolutely! Winning⁢ the ‌World Championship was a remarkable‍ experience, and it brought a sense of pride not ‌only‌ to me but to all of us involved. Back here ⁣in Boston,⁢ the support from the fans has been overwhelming. I mean, ⁤nothing quite⁤ compares to celebrating a‌ championship with your teammates‌ and then bringing that energy back to your NHL team. The congratulations from my ⁣Bruins teammates ⁢were genuine, and I think they appreciated the hard work and dedication it took to achieve that title. It⁢ helps ‌foster a sense⁣ of ​unity and camaraderie, knowing​ that we‌ all share the same goal—winning. ⁤Plus, having ⁢that‍ championship ring only‍ adds ‌to the hunger for more⁢ success in the NHL.

How do you carry that winning mentality from the World Championship into this NHL season?

It’s about⁣ maintaining that high level‌ of focus and ‌determination. Winning the⁢ World Championship showed me what it feels like to push⁣ through challenges and emerge⁢ victorious. I try to translate that‌ experience into every game we⁢ play here with the Bruins. It’s crucial to remind ourselves​ of​ that winning mentality, especially during‌ tough‌ stretches where ⁢self-doubt can creep in. When you’ve tasted victory at that level, it really fuels⁤ your​ desire to achieve more, both ‍individually and ‍as ⁣a team. I ⁢think the understanding that perseverance and hard work yield​ results is something I can⁤ instill in my teammates ⁤every time ⁣we hit the ice.

Looking down the road, what are your aspirations for the rest of this ⁤season?

I hope ⁤to‍ keep building on ⁢this momentum I’ve found, ‌contribute consistently to ​the⁢ team’s success, and help us secure a ‌solid position ⁢in the playoffs. Personally, I want to also continue to develop my game, ⁣especially in areas like shooting and being a reliable playmaker.⁢ My goal isn’t just about putting up‌ points; it’s about being a ​backbone for the team through⁣ thick ​and thin.⁤ As a group, if we‍ can maintain our cohesion and chemistry, I firmly believe‌ we can achieve ⁣some great things this season.