Bílí Tygři Liberec beat Sparta Praha at home after taking the lead in the second period and scoring into an empty net to seal the win. Sparta equalised after Liberec’s opening goal, but the hosts regained the advantage before holding on through the third period.
Liberec coach Jiří Kudrna praised his team’s effort, penalty killing and goaltending, calling it a strong team performance. Sparta coach Patrik Augusta, who previously spent five years with Liberec, was disappointed that his players only began to show urgency a few shifts into the final period.
Augusta said Sparta had lost the game through its power play and criticised the team for failing to bring its practice work into matches. He also said some players appeared nervous when opponents applied pressure, and called for greater courage and a stronger start from the first shift. Sparta had another game scheduled for Saturday, at home against Olomouc.