- Sparta need consistency from their top players
- Bremerhaven have been outstanding on both sides of the puck
- The Germans are in a Playoff position while the Czechs are in desperate need of points
Sparta Prague are currently on the outside looking in as they get ready to suit up against another challenging opponent in Pinguins Bremerhaven. In their last contest, the Czechs were shutout 3-0 by Eisbären Berlin, having now lost twice in as many games. Meanwhile, Bremerhaven followed up their 5-0 win against SønderjyskE Vojens with a 4-2 showing against the Rouen Dragons.
The German side have so far put together a successful sophomore effort in the Champions Hockey League having secured three wins already, with a chance to add at least one more before the Regular Season is over. This is because Bremerhaven have been outstanding both with and without the puck. They currently sit tied for 7th place in goals for per game (3.25) and are tied for first in goals against per game (1.50).
Additionally, their special teams play has been equally effective as they are tied for first in PK% with 100% and are ranked second in powerplay conversion with 31.25%. Maintaining these numbers gives Bremerhaven a clear advantage against a Czech squad that has struggled to find consistency through their first four games.
While Sparta as a club have had trouble establishing their style of play, it's been the inability of individual players to really create any traction that has been the obstacle for the team from the Czech capital.
So far through four contests, Sparta have managed to score seven goals, while they've allowed 12. Their top scorers in Filip Chlapík, Tomáš Hyka, and Michal Řepík each only have three points to their name - both Chlapík and Hyka have two goals and one assist, while Řepík sports one goal and two assists.
Having a more consistent effort from their top players will get things moving in the right direction for a Czech side that is in desperate need of some points as their four results currently have them sitting in 18th place.