Pardubice forward Roman Červenka currently leads the Czech Extraliga in scoring, and alongside teammate Lukáš Sedlák, forms a potent offensive force that opposing teams struggle to contain. The duo’s remarkable chemistry, cultivated both at the club and national level, has propelled them to the top of the league standings as thay now prepare for international competition with the Olympics on the horizon. This article details the story behind their success and the strategic moves that brought them together.
Pardubice hockey players Lukáš Sedlák and Roman Červenka have become a dominant offensive duo in the Czech Extraliga, consistently presenting a challenge for opposing teams to defend against. Their success is a testament to the power of chemistry and strategic team building, factors that are increasingly important in professional sports.
Plzeň goalkeeper Nick Malík acknowledged the difficulty of facing the pair, stating, “I go into the game prepared for Roman to create opportunities that no one else in the league can. That’s what makes it fun, I see the game as a challenge to compete with such a player.”
While Malík’s team managed a 4-3 overtime victory against Pardubice, the challenge of containing Sedlák and Červenka remains significant. Throughout the season, only seven games have passed where both players failed to register a point, and 31 opposing teams have been unable to successfully neutralize their offensive threat.
Extraliga Standings |Sport SZ
| Name | Points | Games |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Červenka (Pardubice) | 56 (17+39) | 40 |
| 2. Sedlák (Pardubice) | 46 (17+29) | 45 |
| 3. Nellis (Vítkovice) | 43 (22+21) | 47 |
| 4. Chlapík (Sparta) | 43 (19+24) | 43 |
| 5. Špaček (Sparta) | 40 (14+26) | 44 |
The duo’s success isn’t solely a product of their individual skill, but also a result of their established chemistry, which initially developed during their time together on the national team. This synergy ultimately led both players to join Pardubice.
In May 2024, Roman Červenka directed the national team’s power play during the World Championships in Prague, continuing his successful collaboration with Lukáš Sedlák. This partnership was closely observed by Pardubice owner Petr Dědek.
Following the playoffs, Dědek released Tomáš Hyku, who had previously brought in Sedlák as a pairing. He sought a replacement to complement his star player, leading to the pursuit of Červenka. Securing Červenka required a significant investment, as he was under contract with Rapperswil in Switzerland.
“It’s probably the first case of a Czech club buying out a player from Switzerland. Everything happens for the first time. I’d compare it to Juventus signing Ronaldo,” Dědek remarked in an interview with the daily Sport, highlighting the unusual nature of the acquisition.
The story behind their pairing is also noteworthy. In 2023, Pardubice initially released Radim Rulík, allowing him to accept a position with the national team. Rulík then paired Sedlák and Červenka, leading the team to a World Championship victory and effectively providing Dědek with a blueprint for a successful offensive combination.
However, the roots of their connection go back even further. It was Finnish coach Kari Jalonen who initially brought Sedlák and Červenka together during the 2023 World Championships, necessitated by injuries to other players. Although their time together was brief due to Sedlák’s own injury, the potential of the pairing was evident.
Prior to the 2024 championships, Sedlák acknowledged their limited familiarity, stating, “We don’t know each other very well, we’ve only seen each other a few times. But I like how he sees the game, he can calm the team down and dictate the tempo.”
Their on-ice performance spoke volumes, despite their limited prior interaction.
Červenka is Difficult to Shut Down
Lukáš Sedlák serves as captain for Pardubice, while Roman Červenka leads the national team. This dual leadership dynamic has proven effective, with the two players demonstrating a strong working relationship and mutual respect.
“There’s a special preparation before the game against them,” noted Plzeň defenseman Daniel Malák. “They’re great players, it makes sense to watch what they do after faceoffs.”
Malák added that each player requires a different defensive approach. Červenka often commands respect from opposing fans and isn’t known for provoking opponents, focusing instead on skillful play. Sedlák, on the other hand, is a more energetic player who frequently engages in physical play and draws penalties.
“We know Sedlo likes to get into scuffles and fall a lot. It’s not a bad idea to get under his skin a bit. Sometimes a few words are exchanged,” Malák said.
“And how do you shut down Červenka? Silence. ‘Červus doesn’t talk much during the game and isn’t easily hit. It’s harder to get to him,’” Malák admitted after some thought.
Focusing on this duo is worthwhile. While their point totals are impressive, they are particularly dangerous on the power play, making them a threat in all situations. Their consistent performance highlights the strength of the Czech Extraliga.
Notable Pairings in the Extraliga |Sport SZ
| Pairing | Goals | Shots | Time in Offensive Zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Červenka + Sedlák (Pardubice) | 28:13 | 295:178 | 47.4% |
| Flynn + Hudáček (Třinec) | 25:20 | 245:204 | 42.6% |
| Nellis + Yetman (Vítkovice) | 25:20 | 262:274 | 40.8% |
| Lenc + Sanberg (Liberec) | 15:8 | 177:152 | 43.2% |
| Chlapík + Špaček (Sparta) | 14:9 | 168:120 | 45.4% |
*data describes five-on-five play
They spend a significant amount of time in the offensive zone, forcing opponents to defend. They consistently find ways to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.
“If you try to double-team Červenka, he’ll release a teammate. Sedlák often plays at a high speed. It helps to have someone in a ‘pit bull’ mode with them, like Jan Mandát or Jakub Lauko. They complement their chemistry well,” explained Malák.
In the national team, they are often paired with Ondřej Kaše, who is also on the Olympic roster. This combination provides a balance of skill and physicality.
Pardubice also attempted to bring in Kaše, but he chose to remain with Litvínov, where he plays alongside his brother David.
When someone calls me and asks about Pardubice, if they should come here, I tell them to go for it. But at the same time, tell them to expect to get maybe two minutes less than elsewhere.
This reflects the high expectations within the team, where players are often asked to sacrifice individual statistics for the collective good. “You have to be willing to adjust your ego,” Sedlák explained.
Červenka accounts for 38% of Pardubice’s goals, a significant contribution. While this reliance on a single player could be seen as a weakness, it’s comparable to Connor McDavid’s 49% goal share with the Edmonton Oilers, demonstrating the potential impact of a dominant offensive force.
“I want to be on the ice in important moments, rely on my teammates to do their job, and have them rely on me to do mine. That’s one of the things that defines this team,” Sedlák said.
As they transition to the Olympics, the dynamic shifts. Sedlák will likely rely on players like Pastrňák and Nečas to lead the offensive charge, while Červenka’s role will be to create opportunities and dictate the pace of play.
“To be able to create opportunities that no one else can,” is what will be expected of Červenka, echoing Malík’s earlier assessment.
Facing a strong Canadian team led by McDavid will be a formidable challenge, but Červenka’s ability to create scoring chances could be crucial. A potential win against Switzerland could secure a direct path to the quarterfinals.
While these two Extraliga stars may not dominate the Olympic tournament, they have the potential to make a significant impact.
