We wanted to show the Germans that they had no chance, Pastrňák said. He had nerves before the match

Helsinki (from our newsletter) – He came among the journalists in a great mood. Not to mention that David Pastrňák will try medal matches with the national team for the first time. In the quarterfinals against Germany, he opened the score in the 3rd minute after an exclusive pass by David Krejčí and calmed the team.

After two more hits in the power play, the Czechs controlled the match, resisted the final onslaught of the Germans and won 4: 1. At the same time, Pastrňák was glad that he had succeeded in the hall, which he had one black memory of from his junior years.

For the first time on the fourth attempt, you managed the quarterfinals with the national team. How does it feel?

It’s the first step. We have a mission here, we’ve been preparing for the whole tournament. We had a plan and a process to be ready for this match. I think in terms of a full sixty minutes, it was the best match since I was in the tournament. We concentrated, we didn’t make many mistakes. We were dedicated, disciplined. We lost the power play, the weakened boys did a great job. The goalkeeper was unreal.

Decided a great start? In the first period you used both power plays and you led 2: 0.

Yeah sure. It was important, but we talked about whatever happened, we wanted to have a good start. Sometimes you have a good one, but you get a goal. We wanted to focus on each turn. We knew we would score some goals. Fortunately, it fell there soon, and even then we played decent hockey and checked it.

David Krejčí gave you a nice present for yesterday’s birthday in the form of a pass to the empty gate, see?

Well, nice. (smile) I expect it from him. It’s unbelievable that the heavy record he gave me looks quite simple. It was really a great performance, now we have to really regenerate and prepare for Saturday to start as well.

So you expected Krejčí to record again? The vast majority of players would shoot in his position in front of the goal.

As soon as he stopped the puck, I knew that if they didn’t stab him, it would come right on my stick.

In the third period, you went two alone to the goalkeeper at 3: 1, Krejčí passed you twice. Did nerves play a role that you didn’t change your chance? The Germans were pushing and were close to the contact gate.

No, there was no nerve. The goalkeeper made an excellent intervention. If the Germans returned to the match, it would be because of our mistakes that we would stop playing. But we unlocked it in front after the collected goal. We didn’t mess up, even though they had three minutes of pressure and played without a goalkeeper. We stuck to our game.

How close is the medal now?

Well, two matches. It’s close, but at the same time very far. We took the first step. Now we have to stay focused and prepare for the next match. There will still be four teams left in the tournament, which is enough. We’ll have dinner, return to Tampere, and take care of ourselves.

How did you perceive the atmosphere of the quarterfinals? At the World Cup, it is always a specific match, after which there may be an end.

Fortunately, it was played in the afternoon. The nerves worked a bit, but we supported each other before the match. We thought we had to be confident. Fly at them and show they have no chance.

What has the environment of another hall done to you?

The ice was pretty cool, nice. Otherwise I don’t have good memories of the hall, we lost here at 20: 7 in the quarterfinals (in January 2016 against the USA, note red.). I’m glad it came out today, and quickly back to Tampere.

4290 spectators came to the quarterfinals in Helsinki. Are you looking forward to going back to Tampere also because the atmosphere for medal matches should be better?

Let’s hope so. So far, we have more of those “heyers” in the Czech Republic than came here. (smile) Of course, hat down in front of every fan who has arrived in Helsinki. We hope that the Czechs will come to Tampere as well.

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