The points are nice, the goal is clear. Michal Maličký on form, the locker room and the playoffs

HC LEV Senec has a terrific November behind it. 5 games, 5 wins and form that commands respect. Michal Maličký left a big mark on that run, piling up 17 points (9+8) in November and becoming the scoring leader of all of RAHL3. In the interview he looked back on the season so far, talked about being surprised by his individual numbers, singled out goaltender Aďo Nogely and said plainly how he sees the playoffs for his team.

1. Your team is in excellent form. You won all 5 games this month. How would you rate your team’s season so far?

Michal: “So far it’s been fine, but the main part of the season, the playoffs, is still ahead of us. I believe we’ll manage to go as far as possible.”

2. Things are going well for you individually, too. In November you scored 9 goals and added 8 assists. You’re also comfortably on top of the scoring race for the whole league. How do your teammates feel about having the scoring leader in their locker room?

Michal: “I’m surprised by the numbers myself, but with good teammates the points come easy. The guys make fun of me for my great ratio, for every 10 goals in RAHL3 I have one in RAHL2, so they give me a hard time about that pretty often.”

3. Aďo Nogely is doing a great job for your team. In 5 games in November he allowed only one goal. How would you rate his performances?

Michal: “Aďo is our rock, no question about it, but honestly I’m surprised you picked me as Player of the Month and not him, because a streak of 4 straight shutouts is, to my mind, worth even more than my points.”

4. As a team you’ve been dominant so far this season, but as they say, the playoffs are a whole new competition. Which team would you most like to avoid in the playoffs, and why?

Michal: “None of them. If we want to be champions, we have to beat everybody, and playing games and picking your opponent usually doesn’t pay off.”

5. You must be getting nothing but praise in the locker room for your performances. Do you also get a little something on the side so your teammates can keep you, or is it all on your tab?

Michal: “The little something is a well-chilled shot of homemade brandy before the game.”

Despite his great numbers, Michal Maličký is keeping his feet on the ground. He’s pleased with the team’s form, but in his view everything that matters will be decided in the playoffs. He also showed respect for his teammates, especially Aďo Nogely, whose performances he considers even more exceptional than his own scoring. The message is simple: no playing games, no picking opponents, and if HC LEV Senec wants the title, it has to beat everyone. And when the locker room needs some motivation, a “well-chilled shot of homemade brandy” before the game will do.