HC Sparta Praha lost 2-1 at home to HC Oceláři Třinec in a close game that Michael Špaček said was well played by his team. Sparta had a goal by Devin Shore overturned after Třinec challenged for Blümel’s position in the crease. Martin Růžička then put the visitors ahead, and Špaček levelled early in the third period with a one-timer set up by Mikael Seppälä. Libor Hudáček scored the winner seconds after Třinec’s power play ended.
“We played well, but unfortunately they were one goal luckier,” Špaček said. He declined to comment on the officials’ decisions, saying the power plays had been decisive and that Sparta needed to spend less time in the penalty box.
Despite the defeat, Špaček said Sparta’s play was improving and urged the team to build on the positives. He also described the Czech Extraliga as one of the toughest competitions he had played in, citing its quality and the amount of defending. More than 14,000 fans attended, and Špaček thanked them for their support.