Matyáš Mařík made a key contribution as Motor České Budějovice beat Bílí Tygři Liberec 4-3, extending the home side’s run of victories despite injuries to both regular goaltenders. The 20-year-old was called up from first-league side Tábor and has stepped in while Milan Klouček and Jan Strmeň are unavailable.
Liberec led 2-1 before Róbert Lantoši equalised just before the first intermission. The start of the second period was delayed by almost half an hour while an uneven patch of ice behind one goal was repaired. Mařík said the pause helped him calm down after conceding twice from around three shots. He kept Liberec scoreless in the period, while Filip Ahl put Motor ahead.
The visitors tied it early in the third through 17-year-old defenceman Lukáš Kachlíř, but Marek Zachar scored the winner in the 47th minute. Mařík praised his teammates for blocking shots as Liberec pressed late, including during a two-minute power play. The visitors could not force an equaliser.