This Czech Republic Olympic roster is quite intriguing. At face value, it’s hard to argue that medaling in Sochi for this Czech club is possible, but this team definitely has the potential to put up a good fight. When reading off the names of the Czech roster, it’s definitely an odd combination of talent. The Czech Republic have been placed in Group C, which also includes two other countries rich with NHL talent (Sweden and Switzerland), which could pose a threat.
Let’s dive into the biggest problem facing the Czechs, the goaltending.
Sochi Preview: Czechs
Goaltending
Goaltending could be a major part of this Czech team falling flat on their collective faces in Sochi. The teams legitimacy may rest on the pads of the Winnipeg Jets Ondrej Pavelec. In 45 games, Pavelec has posted a poor .901 Save %, and the previous years performance don’t help much either (.905 in ’13, .906 in ’12). If Pavelec can’t keep up with the worlds best players on the big ice, and the players in front of him can’t mask his performance, one of the other choices may have to step in (Jakub Kovar or Alexander Salak)
Defensemen
This Czech blue line is solid at it’s best. It consists of these NHLers: New Jersey Devils Marek Zidlicky, Calgary Flames Ladislav Smid, Phoenix Coyotes Zybnek Michalek, Tampa Bay Lightnings Radko Gudas, and Chicago Blackhawks Michal Rozsival. Former NHL D-men Lukas Krajicek, Tomas Kaberle, Michal Barinka round out the defense. It may not be the best defensive group in this tournament, but it does have proven NHL talent.
Zidlicky is a great offensive blue liner, but his play in his own end is obviously an issue. As for the rest of the group, it’s really doesn’t stack up too well against the top teams in this tournmament. It’ll be a tough battle, but it is fueled with some talent that could be sneaky good, if that’s a thing.
Forwards
The forwards are the strongest part of this team. The NHLers include: Jaromir Jagr and Patrik Elias (NJD), Tomas Plekanec (MON) (team captain), Martin Erat (WAS), Martin Hanzal (PHX), David Krejci (BOS), Ales Hemsky (EDM), Michael Frolik (WPG), Milan Michalek (OTT), Jakub Voracek (PHI), Ondrej Palat (TAM). The team also includes former NHLers Peter Nedved, Jiri Novotny, and Roman Cervenka.
The forwards can be effective due to the strong presence down the middle. The centers are great, with Krejci, Plekanec, and Hanzal leading the way. With strong wingers laying off of them (Jagr, Elias, Voracek, Michalek) they could do damage on the scoreboard and put together two, maybe three solid lines.
Jagr in particular has had an incredible season, and is arguably the best player on this team overall. Paired up with Plekanec who he has often played with in other international tournaments, or Krejci, the best offensive center on the team, he could cause some damage. This team has the forwards to compete, and if the defense and goaltending can hold it together, this Czech team could be a tough matchup for anyone.
Overview
This Czech Republic isn’t spectacular. For this team to medal, this teams goaltending and blue line will have to step up. If this team fails, it’ll be tough to validate the choices made to snub players from the team like Jiri Hudlr and Radim Vrbata. It will definitely be a tough road, but it’s not out of the question.
