Czech Hockey Showdown: HC Dynamo Pardubice One Win Away from Extraliga Title After Dramatic Game 5 Victory
PARDUBICE, Czech Republic — The Czech Tipsport Extraliga is on the brink of crowning a recent champion as HC Dynamo Pardubice secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over HC Oceláři Třinec in Game 5 of the finals on Sunday, April 26, 2026. With the series now at 3-2 in favor of Pardubice, the stage is set for a decisive Game 6 in Třinec on Tuesday, April 28, where the home team will aim to force a winner-takes-all Game 7. For Pardubice, a win would end a 14-year championship drought and deliver the club’s first title since 2012.
The fifth game of the best-of-seven series was a tense, hard-fought battle that showcased the resilience of both teams. After Třinec took an early lead, Pardubice responded with a determined effort, culminating in a late-game heroics from forward Lukáš Sedlák, whose goal with just 76 seconds remaining in regulation sealed the victory. The win not only shifted the momentum in the series but too underscored the high stakes of a final that has captivated Czech hockey fans.
“This is what playoff hockey is all about,” said Pardubice head coach Filip Pešán after the game. “Our players left everything on the ice, and we’re proud of how we fought back. But we recognize Třinec won’t make it easy for us in Game 6. We have to bring the same intensity and focus if we seek to close this out.”
A Game of Inches: How Pardubice Turned the Tide
Game 5 was a microcosm of the entire series: physical, fast-paced, and decided by fine margins. Třinec struck first, capitalizing on a power play in the first period to take a 1-0 lead. The goal, scored by defenseman Martin Kundrátko, was a highlight-reel play that caught Pardubice goaltender Roman Will off guard and sent the visiting fans into a frenzy. The early lead seemed to energize Třinec, which controlled much of the first two periods and created several high-quality scoring chances.
However, Pardubice refused to panic. The team’s top line, featuring veterans Roman Červenka and Sedlák, began to find its rhythm in the second period, creating sustained pressure in the offensive zone. The equalizer finally came midway through the third period, when forward Jakub Lauko buried a rebound to tie the game at 1-1. The goal shifted the momentum decisively in Pardubice’s favor, and the home crowd at Enteria Arena erupted in celebration.
The decisive moment arrived with less than two minutes remaining in the third period. Sedlák, who had been a thorn in Třinec’s side all night, pounced on a loose puck near the crease and lifted it over Třinec goaltender Ondřej Kacetl, who had otherwise been stellar in the game. The goal sent the arena into bedlam and set the stage for a dramatic finish. Třinec pulled Kacetl for an extra attacker in the final minute, but Pardubice’s defense held firm, denying the visitors a late equalizer.
“It was a tough loss, but we have to position it behind us,” said Třinec captain Petr Vrána. “We know what we’re capable of, and we’ll be ready for Game 6. This series isn’t over yet.”
Historical Context: A Title Drought on the Line
For HC Dynamo Pardubice, the stakes in this series could not be higher. The club last won the Extraliga championship in 2012, and its fans have endured a 14-year wait for another title. The team has approach close in recent years, reaching the finals in 2021 and 2023 but falling short both times. The 2021 final, in particular, was a heartbreaker: Pardubice led the series 3-2 against the same Třinec team but lost Game 6 at home and then dropped Game 7 in overtime, leaving fans devastated.
This year’s team, however, has shown a resilience and depth that has set it apart. Led by a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Pardubice finished the regular season with the best record in the league (48-12-8) and carried that momentum into the playoffs. The team’s top line of Červenka, Sedlák, and Jan Košťálek has been particularly dominant, combining for 22 goals and 48 points in the postseason. Meanwhile, the defense, anchored by captain Tomáš Rolinek and goaltender Will, has been a steadying force, allowing the fewest goals of any team in the playoffs.
For Třinec, a win in Game 6 would not only extend the series but also give the team a chance to defend its 2025 championship title. The club has been a powerhouse in recent years, winning three titles in the last five seasons (2020, 2022, and 2025). A victory in Game 7 would make Třinec the first team since HC Sparta Praha in 2014 to win back-to-back championships, further cementing its status as the league’s dominant force of the decade.
Key Players to Watch in Game 6
As both teams prepare for Game 6 in Třinec, several players will be under the spotlight. For Pardubice, the focus will once again be on Sedlák, whose clutch goal in Game 5 has made him the hero of the moment. The 29-year-old forward, who has spent time in the NHL with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche, has been a revelation in the playoffs, leading the team with 10 goals and 18 points. His ability to rise to the occasion in big moments has been a hallmark of Pardubice’s postseason run.
“Lukáš is a big-game player,” said Pešán. “He has that ability to find another gear when it matters most, and that’s exactly what we need from him in Game 6.”
On the defensive side, goaltender Roman Will will be critical to Pardubice’s chances. The 31-year-old netminder has been a rock in the playoffs, posting a .932 save percentage and three shutouts. His ability to make key saves in high-pressure situations has kept Pardubice in games, and his performance in Game 6 could very well determine whether the team hoists the championship trophy.
For Třinec, the pressure will be on goaltender Ondřej Kacetl to bounce back from the narrow loss in Game 5. Kacetl, who has been one of the league’s top goaltenders this season, was outstanding for much of the game, making 34 saves. However, the late goal by Sedlák proved to be the difference, and Třinec will need Kacetl to be at his best if the team hopes to force a Game 7.
Offensively, Třinec will look to its top line of Erik Hrňa, Martin Růžička, and Aron Chmielewski to generate scoring chances. The trio has combined for 15 goals and 32 points in the playoffs, and their ability to create offense will be crucial in a must-win situation. Defenseman Martin Kundrátko, who scored the opening goal in Game 5, will need to continue his strong play at both ends of the ice.
“We have to start strong, just like we did in Game 4,” said Třinec forward Daniel Krenželok, referencing the team’s 3-1 victory in Game 4 that evened the series at 2-2. “That was our best period of the playoffs, and we need to bring that same energy from the opening faceoff.”
What’s Next: A Decisive Game 6 in Třinec
Game 6 of the Tipsport Extraliga finals is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Werk Arena in Třinec. Puck drop is set for 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT), and the game will be broadcast live on Sport.cz and Czech Television. For Pardubice, a win would secure the championship and end the team’s 14-year title drought. For Třinec, a victory would force a Game 7 in Pardubice on Thursday, April 30, where the winner would take all.
The atmosphere in Třinec is expected to be electric, with fans eager to support their team in a do-or-die situation. Werk Arena, known for its passionate and vocal crowd, will be a challenging environment for Pardubice, but the team’s experience in high-pressure games could prove to be an advantage.
“We know it won’t be easy,” said Pardubice defenseman Tomáš Rolinek. “Třinec is a great team, and their fans will be loud and supportive. But we’ve been in tough situations before, and we’re ready for the challenge. We just have to focus on our game and take it one shift at a time.”
Why This Series Matters for Czech Hockey
Beyond the immediate stakes for the two teams, the 2026 Extraliga finals have broader significance for Czech hockey. The league has long been a proving ground for top talent, with many players using it as a springboard to careers in the NHL, KHL, and other top European leagues. The success of teams like Pardubice and Třinec helps elevate the profile of the Extraliga and attracts fans and sponsors to the sport.
the rivalry between Pardubice and Třinec has become one of the most compelling in Czech hockey. The two teams have faced each other in the finals three times in the last six years (2021, 2023, and 2026), with each series delivering drama, intensity, and high-quality hockey. The 2026 finals, in particular, have been a showcase of the league’s depth and competitiveness, with both teams demonstrating why the Extraliga is considered one of the top hockey leagues in Europe.
For fans, the series has been a reminder of the passion and excitement that hockey can bring. Whether it’s the late-game heroics, the physical battles, or the sheer unpredictability of playoff hockey, the 2026 finals have delivered everything that makes the sport so compelling. And with Game 6 on the horizon, the best may be yet to come.
How to Follow the Action
For fans looking to follow the series, here are some key resources:
- Live Updates: The official Czech Extraliga website provides real-time scores, stats, and highlights.
- Broadcast: Game 6 will be televised live on Czech Television (ČT Sport) and streamed on Sport.cz.
- Social Media: Follow the teams on X (formerly Twitter) for behind-the-scenes content and updates: @HCDynamoPCE (Pardubice) and @HCOcelariTR (Třinec).
- Tickets: Fans interested in attending Game 7 (if necessary) can purchase tickets through the HC Dynamo Pardubice website or the HC Oceláři Třinec website.
Key Takeaways
- Pardubice Leads Series 3-2: HC Dynamo Pardubice is one win away from clinching the Tipsport Extraliga title after a dramatic 2-1 victory in Game 5.
- Sedlák’s Clutch Goal: Forward Lukáš Sedlák scored the game-winning goal with just 76 seconds remaining in regulation, capping a comeback for Pardubice.
- Title Drought on the Line: A win in Game 6 would end Pardubice’s 14-year championship drought, while Třinec is fighting to force a Game 7.
- Game 6 Preview: The decisive Game 6 will take place on Tuesday, April 28, at Werk Arena in Třinec, with puck drop at 17:00 local time.
- Historical Rivalry: The series marks the third time in six years that Pardubice and Třinec have faced off in the Extraliga finals, underscoring the intensity of their rivalry.
What Happens Next?
The next chapter of this thrilling series will unfold on Tuesday, April 28, as HC Oceláři Třinec hosts HC Dynamo Pardubice in Game 6 of the Tipsport Extraliga finals. With Pardubice one win away from the championship and Třinec fighting to extend the series, the stakes could not be higher. Fans can expect another hard-fought, high-intensity game as both teams exit everything on the ice in pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize.
For those unable to attend in person, live coverage will be available on Czech Television and Sport.cz, ensuring that fans around the world can witness the drama as it unfolds. Whether it’s a championship-clinching victory for Pardubice or a Game 7 showdown, one thing is certain: the 2026 Extraliga finals are far from over.
What do you think will happen in Game 6? Will Pardubice close out the series, or will Třinec force a decisive Game 7? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!