CZECH REPUBLIC HAS DREAMS OF GOLD
The Czech Republic players returning from Salt Lake City will be seeking a measure of revenge after suffering a heart breaking quarter-finals loss to the Russians in 2002. Many Czech’s felt cheated with the officiating in that loss and have not easily let it go. There are new faces to the Czech roster but one familiar face is returning for another chance at Gold. Dominik Hasek will be between the pipes for the Czech Republic when they head to Turin in February. Many speculate that the play of Nashville Predator Tomas Vokoun warrants a starting nod from the Czech coaching staff, but they may be jumping to conclusions. Even if Hasek weren’t to start, despite his list of credentials in both the NHL and international play; despite virtually single-handedly winning Gold in 1998; and after posting a better save percentage (.930) than Vokoun (.918) and two more shutouts (3); the man is a hockey god in his country and to not start him would cause an outcry from Czech fans. The Czechs are one of the tournament’s favourites because Hasek is in their net.
On defence the Czechs have lots of speed and skill, without trading away too much in size and strength. Tomas Kaberle is the quarterback of any Czech attack and is arguably the best puck-moving ‘D’ in the NHL this season. His brother Frantisek, along with Pavel Kubina and Marek Malik bring a lot of size to the Czech blueline. The Czech defence are also void of any players who have a minus rating on their stats sheet. They are very responsible in their own end and play a solid zone type of defence, which is very suited to the open ice of the Olympics. And if given the chance Tomas Kaberle can catch the opposing defence sleeping with a long saucer pass to a streaking forward. Filip Kuba also offers a steady and reliable seventh defenceman for the Czechs. The Czechs seem to have one of the strongest, yet very unheralded defensive units in the tournament. If the Czechs play a very regimented and team-oriented type of game like they usually do this defence will be very tough to play against.
Up front Jaromir Jagr leads the attack and the NHL in scoring this season. He will most likely be paired with New York Rangers team mates Petr Prucha and Martin Straka who he has had great success with this season. There is an abundance of experience up front with 6 forwards who won Gold in Nagano in 1998. Robert Lang and Milan Hejduk will lead the secondary scoring while Martin Rucinsky and Vaclav Prospal will lead the checking units. There is not as much scoring power on the Czechs as say Canada or Sweden, but the Czech Republic have traditionally been a defence first time of hockey club so look for them to continue that way. If Dominik Hasek rises to the occasion and the Czechs stick to the game plan they could seriously threaten to take this tournament. Expect the Czechs to finish with the Silver, behind Team Canada .