Bruins' Pavel Zacha uses Olympic snub to fuel career year

Boston forward speaks on how missing the 2026 Winter Olympics has motivated him to have a standout NHL season.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:23am

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Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha has emerged as a top-six player this season, setting career highs in goals and points. Zacha revealed that being left off the Czech Republic's 2026 Olympic roster initially "depressed" him, but he has since used that snub to fuel his outstanding play, helping the Bruins stay in the playoff race.

Why it matters

Zacha's breakout campaign comes at a crucial time for the Bruins, who are locked in a tight battle for a Wild Card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The 25-year-old's ability to turn his Olympic disappointment into NHL success has been a major factor in Boston's push to reach the postseason.

The details

Zacha, the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, has 23 goals and 52 points in 69 games this season, both career highs. After being left off the Czech Republic's Olympic roster, Zacha said he was initially "depressed" but then used the snub to motivate himself to have an even better season with the Bruins. Over the past month, Zacha has been on a tear, scoring 8 goals and recording 13 points in March to help Boston keep pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

  • Zacha was not selected to represent the Czech Republic at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Since the Olympic snub, Zacha has scored 8 goals and recorded 13 points in March 2026.

The players

Pavel Zacha

A 25-year-old forward for the Boston Bruins who is having a career-best season, setting personal highs in goals and points after being left off the Czech Republic's 2026 Olympic roster.

Boston Bruins

An NHL team currently battling for a Wild Card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with Zacha's standout play being a key factor in their push to reach the postseason.

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What they’re saying

“It was a little depressing at the beginning, but then got me motivated. Just what I can control is, at the end of the season, it looks like I can give it my all. ... The Olympics is one of the things I was looking forward to most. So missing that, it was just kind of a mindset like, OK, there's things I can control in life.”

— Pavel Zacha

What’s next

The Bruins and Red Wings will face off on Saturday in a crucial game that could determine who secures the top Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

Zacha's ability to turn his Olympic disappointment into NHL success has been a major boost for the Bruins as they fight to reach the playoffs. His career-best season shows the power of using setbacks as motivation to elevate one's game and contribute to the team's overall success.