It wasn't a shocker when Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha got the nod for the Czech Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games. Teaming up with his fellow Bruin, David Pastrnak, the duo was set to create some unforgettable moments in Milano Cortina.
Unfortunately, everything changed in late January when Zacha sustained an upper-body injury during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden. Missing the last two games before the break, it was left to Zacha and the Czech team to decide his Olympic fate.
Before the tournament kicked off, it was confirmed that Zacha wouldn't be participating, a significant setback for him. Meanwhile, the Bruins, not involved in the Olympics, regrouped at Warrior Ice Arena on Wednesday for a mini-camp ahead of their season resumption against the Columbus Blue Jackets next Thursday at TD Garden. Zacha, donning a red non-contact jersey, expressed his frustration about watching the Olympics from afar.
Pavel Zacha Reflects on Missing the Olympics
The decision to sit out was a collaborative one involving the Bruins, Zacha, and the Czech National Team.
“That was one of the most frustrating things, especially when it’s something you were looking forward to. It was really hard,” Zacha shared. "It’s tough watching the games, knowing I can’t be there to experience it.
“I thought right away I’m going to be going, because right away it got better,” he explained. “Then it was stagnant and started to get worse.
For three days, it was good, then it started to get better. After a week and a half, I knew it wasn’t going to happen.”
As for his return to the Bruins' lineup in the playoff push post-break, head coach Marco Sturm remained optimistic.
“Hopefully,” Sturm said. “He’s been here in treatments. He’s definitely on the right track.”
This glimmer of hope is promising for the Bruins as they gear up for a fierce battle to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.