The starting points for the Czech game were different than before.
Aleksander Barkov went to the Finland-Czech quarter-final match in an exceptional situation, as he is also supported by his Czech spouse in the home team.
Tennis player Marie Bouzkova said in March 2025 that the couple has been together for three years.
Barkov acknowledged after the match that when the Czech Republic ended up being Finland’s opponent, he didn’t think about the setup at all.
– I don’t know, I haven’t talked about it. I only had the game in mind, nothing else, the attacker announced.
Did your spouse cheer for both teams today?
– I don’t know.
Aleksander Barkov served Konsta Helenius a great goal. Pasi Liesimaa
The first chain led by Barkov was again in good shape in the match. The captain started Konsta Helenius’ 3–0 goal with Mikael Granlund.
The center forward entertained the crowd in the opening set by going for a real dream goal. He stuck the stick between his own legs and tried to flick the puck past Czech goalkeeper Josef Korenar. There was no goal this time.
– There was a little too much speed. I tried to make a shot, and I don’t know if it even went on target, Barkov said.
The train of lions is chugging along its tracks. Barkov described the team as playing “well enough” to beat the Czech Republic.
– Each game develops a little. I think we’ve always been ready to play. Switzerland, of course, came into the game a little harder than us and scored a couple of goals at the start, but otherwise we have been quite well prepared. We have developed and played disciplined hockey.
