Mazanec, Prikryl and Salficky: shifts of goalies in Pilsen

It is not very common in the Czech hockey league to shift three goaltenders in a season regulary. But the exception proves the rule. The rookie Mazanec and experienced Prikryl with Salficky guarded Pilsen goal in this season, the 4th goalie Halmosi appeared in the cage for fourty minutes! Nowadays, Tipsport extraliga has a break due to Channel One Cup in Russia, afterwards the 32th season´s round will be on programm.

The Indians have allowed the most goals from all the team in Tipsport extraliga in the season. After leaving Sparta Prague Prikryl was the first team´s goalie, but the beggining of the season was not too good for him and the veteran Salficky changed Prikryl already in the second game. In the 12th league´s game talented Mazanec appeared in the cage and the Indians prevailed Ocelari Trinec 3-1.

Thaks to the unfailing performances Mazanec will play in 2010 World Championship U20 in the USA. On the top competition, also another players from Pilsen will appear: Jerabek (HC Pilsen 1929) and Rachunek and ex-pilsener Culek, Straka and Hrbas.

Now, Pilsen coaches have to trust in duo Prikryl, Salficky, the other goaltender Halmosi will play in Chrudim.

The Indians defeated by Litvinov in the clutch game

The 31th league´s round offered very important game between Pilsen and Benzina Litvinov. The visiting team held the 10th place with 10-point lead before Pilsen. The Pilsen squad had an opportunity to decrease Litvinov´s lead, but Pilsen succumbed to Litvinov 3:4 on penalty shots and Pilsen still loses 10 points for play-off.

The Indians crashed Benzina in the first season´s game 6:1 and won in Hlinka´s stadium too. On Sunday, Pilseners got Litvinov team under the pressure, but without goal effect. After the goalless first period Litvinov broke the deadlock, namely Cerny. Pilseners beat goaltender Hübl as late as in the 31th minute and the league-leading scorer Tomas Vlasak (16+30) tied the game. However, after five minutes the visiting team was leading. Lukes passed Jansky and he placed his shot to a nicety by post. The middle period ended in a tie because Radek Duda scored on a rebound.

The last period was not very attractive. The Indians was leading for the first time in the game after 53 minutes when captain Straka scored on the powerplay. However, the home team did not maintain the lead. Lukes made the second final pass of the night and the defender Kubat fired a shot past Mazanec. The game ended up in penalty shots. In the third round Halmosi replaced young Mazanec in the home net, but Jenacek chalked up go-ahead goal. On the other side, Franek replaced Hübl in Litvinov cage to stop Vlasak´s shot.

Tipsport extraliga takes a break for the Channel One Cup in Moscow, afterwards the Indians will challenge Vitkovice, top dog Pardubice, Slavia Praha and Kladno.

Pilsen is preparing for a vital battle

Pilsen hockey team is preparing for a vital game. The Indians are losing ten points on the 10th Benzina Litvinov. If the Indians lose the game, they lose thirteen points for the play-off...
Litvinov is a favourite opponent for the Indians. The first season´s game was a clear matter - Pilsen crashed its rival 6:1. The rematch in Litvinov was very similar and Pilsen defeated its opponent 3:0. Moreover, Litvinov has been playing poor games outside its stadium.
The last Pilsen game was a hockey thriller! The Indians were leading in the 51th minute 6:2, but they complicated the bout and the final result was 6:5. Also Litvinov prevailed the game against last year´s top dog Pardubice 3:1.
Today´s game will be the last in 2010. Afterwards Pilseners will face Vitkovice, Pardubice, Slavia Prague and Kladno at their stadiums. Very important battle against Litvinov starts traditionally at 17:30 (6.30 pm).

The Indians lowered the deficiency of points

Pilsen hockey team has started winning streak after lost 19 points in the standings. The Indians won four of five bouts since this cause. Yesterday, Pilsen defeated PSG Zlin in CEZ Arena 4:1 and lowered the deficiency of points. Now, the Indians are losing ten points on the 10th place in the league table (10th place is the last for play-off).
Radek Duda was the main figure of the game with Zlin. He scored twice and made an excellent assistance. The Indians got the visiting team under the pressure and in the 9th minute the defender Hanzlik broke the deadlock. But the leading was ephemeral. Tomas Sykora tied the game after a scrummage in front of the net. Nevertheless, Pilsen won the first period. The first star of the game Duda beat Sedlacek in Zlin´s cage. The visiting squad played more actively in the middle period but the Indians scored. The captain Straka made a brilliant pass on Duda and his shot was unstoppable. Afterwards Jan Herman broke his leg and was arrived to the hospital. In the last twenty minutes the Indians kept the leading and in the 54th minute sealed the victory. Duda gathered speed and after his excellent pass the veteran Vostrak shot to an open net.
On friday, hockey fans will watch a dish - the third derby in this season. The game Pilsen vs Karlovy Vary will start traditionally from 17:30 (6:30 pm).