Bruins’ Pavel Zacha Out of Olympics, Filip Chlapik Steps In
On Saturday morning, Czechia received disappointing news regarding the Olympic roster. Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha is out of the event due to injury. His absence is a significant loss, as he is a player with valuable experience. Zacha had developed strong chemistry with David Pastrnak, the team’s top player.
Pavel Zacha’s Olympic Withdrawal
Pavel Zacha, a sixth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, last played an NHL game on January 29. This season, he has contributed 37 points, consisting of 15 goals and 22 assists across 54 games. His performance has been instrumental in the Bruins’ push in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Filip Chlapik to Step In
Filip Chlapik will replace Pavel Zacha on the Czech roster. Chlapik, also a 2015 draftee, was selected in the second round by the Ottawa Senators. Standing at six feet two inches, he has accumulated 11 points in 57 NHL games between 2017 and 2021, all while with the Senators.
Currently, Chlapik serves as captain for HC Sparta Praha in the Czech Extraliga. He has shown impressive form, achieving nearly a point per game over the last three seasons. This year, he has totaled 19 goals and 26 assists for 45 points in just 45 games.
Czechia’s Olympic Prospects
Czechia is placed in Group A alongside Canada, Switzerland, and France for the Olympic tournament. Their schedule for the preliminary round is as follows:
- Thursday, February 12 – Czechia vs. Canada at 10:40 AM ET
- Friday, February 13 – France vs. Czechia at 10:40 AM ET
- Sunday, February 15 – Switzerland vs. Czechia at 6:10 AM ET
The Czech team has a notable Olympic history, with two medals to its name. They won gold in 1998 in Nagano and claimed bronze in 2006 in Torino. Their last participation with NHL players was in 2014, where they exited in the quarterfinals at the Sochi Olympics.
