It has been a long time between drinks for HC Litvínov.

They haven’t reached the quarterfinal stages of the Czech playoffs since 2017.
The last time they progressed past the QF stage, Litvínov was crowned champions in 2015.

A 3-0 sweep of Plzeň in the WildCard round, presents Liam Kirk and his teammates the chance to make their mark in the playoffs this season.

Their opponents are the team that finished one position above them in the standings.

HC Kometa Brno finished fourth during the regular season, thus earning an automatic playoff berth and exemption from the wildcard round.

Kometa Brno were champions in 2017 and 2018 but have progressed by the QF stage just once since those successes.

With Kometa having finished three points above Litvínov in the standings, it is no surprise the teams were evenly matched during their four encounters.

Each team won at home and on the road as the season series was split at two victories apiece.

According to the league’s official website (hokej.cz), Kometa Brno is a huge favourite at 68% to prevail. They predict the longer the series continues, the better chance the underdogs have to win, favouring their opportunity to progress at better odds if the series reaches six or seven games.

The absence of Janis Jaks through suspension is a devastating loss for Litvínov, especially when they are not strong on the blue line.

If goaltender Matej Tomek excels and Litvínov can generate enough offence to compensate for defensive culpabilities, they have a legitimate chance to progress.

Liam Kirk will be looking to produce that type of offence, having already contributed thus far in the playoffs. His three goals against Plzeň included two game-winners, and the GB forward always seems to reserve his best performances for the big games.

In the regular season, Kirk recorded a goal and an assist versus the upcoming opponent, something he will be looking to build upon.

Schedule: (Home team listed first)

Kometa v Litvínov 17th March
Kometa v Litvínov 18th March
Litvínov v Kometa 21st March
Litvínov v Kometa 22nd March
Kometa v Litvínov 24th March
Litvínov v Kometa 26th March
Kometa v Litvínov 28th March

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