Olympic Hockey Takeaways: Faksa Helps Spark Czechia’s Bounce-Back Win Over France
After a tough 5-0 loss to powerhouse Canada, Team Czechia needed a response - and they got one. With Radek Faksa playing a quietly effective role, Czechia found its rhythm in a 6-3 win over France that keeps their Olympic hopes alive heading into the final group-stage matchup.
Let’s break down what stood out from this much-needed bounce-back performance:
1. Czechia Took Care of Business Against an Overmatched Opponent
France has made strides in international hockey, but let’s be honest - they’re still catching up to the top-tier nations. Czechia came into this one knowing they had to dominate, and that’s exactly what they did. From puck drop, they controlled the tempo, dictated possession, and looked every bit like a team determined to erase the memory of that shutout loss to Canada.
This was a textbook case of a more experienced, deeper roster taking advantage of a team still finding its footing at this level. Czechia didn’t just win - they imposed their style, and that’s a great sign heading into a pivotal matchup against Switzerland.
2. Balanced Scoring Shows Czechia’s Depth
Six goals. Six different goal scorers.
That’s the kind of offensive balance that gives coaches confidence and keeps opponents guessing. David Pastrnak getting on the board was a big moment - when your stars start heating up, it lifts the entire bench.
But what really stood out was how many players contributed. This wasn’t a one-line show.
It was a full-team effort.
For a team looking to make a deep run, that kind of scoring depth is essential. It’s not just about one or two guys carrying the load. It’s about rolling four lines and knowing anyone can find the net.
3. Radek Faksa Did the Dirty Work - and Got Rewarded
Radek Faksa isn’t the flashiest player on the ice, and he doesn’t need to be. His game is built on structure, effort, and smart hockey - and he brought all of that in this win.
Faksa picked up two assists, both the kind that don’t just pad the stat sheet - they reflect the kind of impact he has on a game. Whether it’s winning puck battles, making the smart pass, or doing the little things that lead to big moments, Faksa played his role to perfection.
He’s not the guy lighting up the scoreboard, but he’s the one helping others do it. And that’s exactly what you want from a veteran presence in a tournament like this.
4. One More Step to Make Some Noise
Czechia’s next test comes against Switzerland - a matchup that could decide their seeding heading into the knockout rounds. A strong performance could lift them into a more favorable position, while a stumble might leave them fighting for survival.
The path forward is clear: take the momentum from this win, tighten up defensively, and bring that same offensive energy. Switzerland is no pushover, but if Czechia plays with the same focus and depth they showed against France, they’ve got a real shot to make a run.
Bottom Line: Czechia did what they had to do - and then some. With Faksa quietly leading by example and the offense firing on all cylinders, they’ve put themselves back in the mix.
Now comes the real test: can they string together another strong performance and prove they’re more than just a bounce-back story? We’ll find out soon enough.