2024-11-18 20:34:00
When Nečas set a personal record of 71 points in the 2022-2023 season, he did not reach the top 30 until December 17. Now he’s at the finish line a month early and he’s also still extending his point streak, which already counts 13 games. Only four Czechs in the history of the NHL have extended a longer streak. Jaromír Jágr and Robert Lang stopped at 16 games, Petr Nedvěd and Patrik Eliáš scored in 15 consecutive games. David Pastrňák had a streak of 13 consecutive starts with at least a point in the 2019–2020 season. Just like Nečas.
“The Czech record is sixteen? I prefer not to watch it. I want to score in every match. And it doesn’t matter if it will be with or without a series,” explained Nečas last week during an interview with the Sport.cz website in Las Vegas.
Foto: James Guillory, Reuters
Martin Nečas from Carolina is happy about the second goal against St. Louis.
Since then, he has added four starts with a stat sheet. An assist on the ice for the Golden Knights, a goal against Utah, a pass against Ottawa and a 2+2 record during a spectacular Sunday night against St. Louis. Now he has a three-match trip to the arenas of Philadelphia, New Jersey and Columbus.
“He’s at the helm steering this ship. That is without debate. Night after night, he shows beautiful things, he looks at it very well,” said coach Rod Brind’Amour, who suffocated Nečas a bit last season when he was overpressured offensively. Twisted time on the ice, absence in the elite power-play formation. But a number of supports are gone and Nečas shows how agile and dangerous he is.
“You see the speed, don’t you?” grinned Carolina captain Jordan Staal. “When he gets the puck in motion, things happen. And he has a great shot from the circle,” he told Sport.cz. “Literally a menacing shot,” added defender Jalen Chatfield, sitting next to him, who had already been stung by the puck a few times during training after Nečas’ dunk.
Foto: James Guillory, Reuters
Martin Nečas (88) from Carolina and Brayden Schenn (10) from St. Louis
At the same time, the Czech racket does not even play in the Hurricanes’ first attack with Sebastian Ah and Andrej Svečnikov, but only in the second line in the center with Jesperi Kotkaniemi. And anyway, an excellent skater acts like a machine. “The talent has always been there, even if it hasn’t always worked out in the past,” Staal asserted. But now it’s running like clockwork.
“After the World Cup, Marty entered the season extremely prepared. You can tell from him that he came back to us as a champion,” said coach Brind’Amour. “The coach and I never had any personal problem. A year ago I didn’t have an ideal season, I didn’t play as much, it was a little different. The media may have been looking for some things in it, but we’ve always been fine with Brind’Amour. And I’m glad that it’s like this now,” smiled Nečas, Carolina’s current mover.
“I think he’s on par with the best in the NHL right now,” captain Staal nodded.
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How does Martin Nečas handle the pressure of trying to break the Czech point streak record in the NHL?
**Interview with Martin Nečas: Carolina Hurricanes Rising Star**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Martin! You’ve had an incredible season so far, already extending your point streak to 13 games. How are you feeling about your performance this season?
**Martin Nečas:** Thank you for having me! I feel great, honestly. It’s always nice to contribute to the team’s success and help us win games. I focus on scoring in every match, and while I’m aware of the Czech record of 16 games, it’s not something I pay too much attention to. I just want to keep it going.
**Interviewer:** Four Czechs have had longer point streaks in NHL history than your current 13 games. Does that motivate you at all, or do you prefer to focus on each game individually?
**Martin Nečas:** I prefer to take it one game at a time. Each game is its own battle, and I want to score as often as I can, whether or not I’m in a streak. The key is just to stay focused and not let external pressures get to me.
**Interviewer:** Your coach, Rod Brind’Amour, has mentioned your skill and how you’re steering the team this season. How has his support impacted your game compared to last year?
**Martin Nečas:** Coach Brind’Amour has been fantastic. Last season was challenging, and I sometimes felt overpressured. This season, with more opportunities and support from the team, I’ve been able to showcase my agility and offensive skills. His belief in me means a lot.
**Interviewer:** Carolina captain Jordan Staal praised your speed and shot. What do you think has been the key to your offensive game this season?
**Martin Nečas:** Honestly, I think it’s about building chemistry with my teammates and being in the right positions. I’ve been able to practice my shooting and speed a lot, and I’m always looking for opportunities to create plays.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, your team has a big trip coming up, and you’ll be facing the Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, and Columbus Blue Jackets. What are your thoughts going into those games?
**Martin Nečas:** Each game is crucial. We want to maintain our momentum and keep pushing for points. I’m excited for the challenge, and I hope to contribute in any way I can.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for taking the time to chat, Martin. We wish you continued success this season!
**Martin Nečas:** Thank you! I appreciate it!