Comments on: Will Czechs be champs?

By: rojoke

rojoke — Sat, 17 Jan 2004 22:28:01 +0000

I wouldn’t underestimate the Finns. They, along with Canada, probably have the deepest goaltending of any team involved. And in a short tournament, hot goaltending can be ridden straight to the final.

By: rojoke

rojoke — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 22:54:14 +0000

As far as the player eligibility rules go, I think they're using the IIHF rules in most cases, relating to a played like Nedved choosing to play for Czech Republic or Canada. For someone like Evgeni Nabokov, who can't play for Russia at IIHF events, they may allow it because Kazakhstan isn't a participating country.

And while it isn't and IIHF organized tournament, it is an IIHF sanctioned event, which could mean that their national eligibilty rules are being followed.

Come to think of it, I haven't even heard whether or not Nedved even expressed interest in playing in the tournament at all, or any tournament for that matter. Can anyone verify or contradict that?

By: Primis

Primis — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 22:35:28 +0000

I'll echo the sentiments of some of the other responders.

Very good Forwards. Good/Decent Goaltending. So-so- Blueline.

And the forwards I see, most of them aren't very good two-way players.

On paper right now I'd rank the Czech's tied at 4th with the US (*IF* Team USA doesn't blow it by picking all the old guys again and goes a bit yougner), with Sweden, Canada, and Russia ahead of them 1-3 in that order.

-- Primis.

By: Lint07

Lint07 — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 16:56:34 +0000

Vokoun should definately be the starter unless Cechmanek finally find a way to perform with success a lateral movement....

*very unlikely*

By: OttawaUhockeyfan

OttawaUhockeyfan — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 16:31:45 +0000

The Czechs shouldn'T be underestimated. If Jaromir Jagr plays at his full potential, the Czechs wil their "secondary" firepower ( Hejduk, Havlat, Elias) could spend more time attacking then defending. Even their defense ( well the one i put up anyway) is not bad. Mobile ( Kaberle, Hamrlik, Skoula) and tough ( Kubina, Fischer, Rachunek).

All depends on how they play as a group of course. In the last world cup, they were horrible because they didn't play as a unit.

By: OttawaUhockeyfan

OttawaUhockeyfan — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 16:28:56 +0000

As an Ottawa resident and having seen Martin Prusek in action a few times, i would honestly say that he is better than Cechmanek. Although not very flashy, his style is less nerve-wrecking and plays very well under pressure. If anything Cechmanek could be the third string.

By: Topshelf

Topshelf — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 16:26:27 +0000

Here's what mu lineup would look like!!!!!

Goalies

T.Vokoun

R.Cechmanek

M.Prusek

Centers

R.Lang

R.Bonk

B.Holik

V.Prospal(Czech I believe)

Wingers

P.Elias

M.Havlat

M.Hejduk

J.Jagr

P.Sykora

M.Straka(if healthy)

A.Hemsky(under 22)

M.Erat(under 22)

Defense

R.Hamrlik

T.Kaberle

P.Kubina

J.Modry

M.Skoula

J.Fischer

R.Klesla(under 22)

By: Hyfte

Hyfte — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 15:34:12 +0000

Vokoun will be the starter with Cechmaneck as the back up and Prusek as 3rd string.

By: Aetherial

Aetherial — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 14:53:39 +0000

Great on RW, average Defense.

Everything else leads me to believe they will not threaten Sweden, USA, Russia, or Canada.

By: TC_4

TC_4 — Fri, 16 Jan 2004 14:12:25 +0000

Good call, but I pretty sure they can play for the Cezch’s in the World Cup. It’s not an IIHF event. I’m certain Nedved played for them in 96, and I know he had his citizenship then. But I don’t know, the rules may have changed for this Cup, that was 8 years ago.