- Pospíšil opened scoring with first-ever CHL goal
- Kovář earned shutout for the home team
- Grenoble’s Playoff chances not over yet
Sparta Prague hosted French champions Grenoble for their final Regular Season game of this year’s Champions Hockey League. With the home side already assured of a Round of 16 ticket, it was the visitors who had more at stake tonight.
The first period produced just one goal. Sparta’s Jiří Pospíšil found the back of the net, marking his first-ever tally in the CHL. Grenoble also created several promising chances, but Jakub Kovář was solid in goal and handled the danger confidently.
Sparta extended their lead in the second period with two more goals. The first came when David Vitouch sent Mārtiņš Dzierkals through on goal, and from the slot he fired the puck under the crossbar. The next came at 30:10 on the powerplay, as Aaron Irving unleashed a powerful slap shot to make it 3-0.
The third period brought a final goal for the Czechs to seal the win. Sparta made the most of a five-on-three advantage. Grenoble held out for a while, but Pavel Kousal finished off the play with a one-timer from the left circle.
The scoreline could have been even higher had Dzierkals converted his penalty shot after being fouled, but Grenoble’s goaltender stayed composed and stretched his pads across the line to deny him. As the final buzzer sounded, Sparta claimed a confident 4-0 victory, while Grenoble were left waiting to see how further results would affect their Playoff hopes.