David Pastrnak Has More to Give - and Czechia Needs It Now
If you’ve watched David Pastrnak play over the past couple of seasons in Boston, you know what he’s capable of. Electric shot.
Creative instincts. Game-breaking talent.
But so far in Olympic pool play, the Bruins' superstar has been quieter than expected - and that’s putting it lightly.
Pastrnak was held off the scoresheet in Czechia’s opener against Canada, and while he notched a single assist in their final group-stage loss to Switzerland, it wasn’t the kind of impact fans were hoping for. Yes, he did help Czechia avoid a scare against France with a goal and a helper, but let’s be honest - when you’re one of the best pure scorers in the world, expectations are higher, especially against a team like France.
Now, with the qualification round set, Czechia gets a clean slate - and a golden opportunity to reset the narrative. They’ll face Denmark in the 8 vs. 9 matchup, and while Czechia enters as the favorite, the buzz surrounding this team has definitely cooled since the tournament began. Losing Pavel Zacha to injury thinned out their forward depth, but this is still a group that can make noise - if they find their rhythm.
And that starts with Pastrnak.
The Playoffs Are a Reset - and a Test
International tournaments like this are all about timing. Pool play is important, sure, but once the knockout rounds begin, it’s a whole new game. Czechia’s 1-2 record won’t matter if they can take care of business against Denmark - and then pull off something special in the quarterfinals.
But here’s the kicker: if they do beat Denmark, they’ll run straight into the tournament’s top seed - the same Canadian squad that dominated them in the opener. That’s a steep hill to climb. Canada has looked every bit the powerhouse they were billed to be, rolling four lines deep and suffocating opponents with relentless pace and skill.
So if Czechia’s going to make a legitimate run, they’ll need their stars to show up in a big way. And no one looms larger than No. 88.
Pastrnak’s Moment to Lead
This is the kind of stage that defines legacies. Pastrnak has already proven he can carry a team - just look at what he’s done in Boston over the past year, often leading the charge for a Bruins offense that’s lacked firepower behind him. He’s used to being the focal point, the guy defenses key in on, and the one his teammates look to when the game’s on the line.
Czechia is built in a similar mold. They’ve got grinders, they’ve got structure, and they’ve got a goalie who can steal a game.
But what they don’t have is another David Pastrnak. If he finds his scoring touch against Denmark - if he gets hot - this team becomes a much tougher out.
A big game from Pastrnak could unlock the confidence this group needs. And if that happens, suddenly the idea of upsetting Canada doesn’t feel so far-fetched.
Don’t Sleep on Dostal
While Pastrnak is the engine, Lukas Dostal might be Czechia’s X-factor. The young netminder has already shown flashes of brilliance in Anaheim this season, and he’s the type of goalie who can turn a game - or even a tournament - on its head.
Heading into the Olympics, there was plenty of chatter about Dostal’s potential to steal a game in a big moment. If Czechia gets past Denmark, the quarterfinal against Canada would be the perfect time for that narrative to come to life.
Imagine this: Pastrnak delivers a signature performance, Dostal stands on his head, and suddenly the top seed is out. It’s not the likeliest outcome, but it’s not impossible - and in a single-elimination format, that’s all you need.
Eyes on the Medal Round
If Czechia can string together two wins, they’re in the medal round. That alone would be a massive accomplishment, but for Pastrnak, it’s also a chance to add another chapter to his growing international résumé.
He already helped lead Czechia to a World Championship in 2024. Now, with the world watching and the stakes even higher, he’s got a shot to put his country back on the Olympic podium in a best-on-best tournament. That’s the kind of moment that lives forever in hockey history.
But it starts with Denmark. And it starts with Pastrnak.
The playoffs are here. The slate is clean. Let’s see what 88 has in store.