HC Sparta Praha beat HC Olomouc 2-1 in overtime at the O2 arena, with Matěj Blümel scoring the winner at 64:33. He finished a power play by redirecting Michael Špaček’s pass into a partly open net, earning Sparta a much-needed two points after the hosts let a late lead slip away.
Michal Řepík had put Sparta ahead late in the second period. Olomouc equalised with its goalkeeper pulled, as Jakub Kos deflected the puck past the home side’s netminder. “It was supposed to be a three-point win,” Blümel said, adding that the team had been relieved to finish the game with a victory.
Sparta had struggled to score in recent weeks, and Blümel said he was also going through a difficult spell in front of goal, with chances hitting the posts or going wide. He had earlier blocked a dangerous shot while killing a penalty after his stick broke. “I’m glad I blocked the shot. It gave the team the impulse it needed,” he said. Blümel added that he was pleased his overtime goal helped the team win.