Men’s Quarterfinal Hockey Preview: United States vs. Czech Republic
By Andrew Dill
United States-Czech Republic Preview
The United States Men’s Hockey Team looks to stay unbeaten as they will take on the Czech Republic in the quarterfinal round in the Sochi Winter Olympics Wednesday morning. The United States are coming off of a 5-1 victory over Slovenia as Phil Kessel recorded a hat-trick. The Czech Republic on the other hand are coming off of a play-in game against Slovakia coming away with the victory 5-3.
What: Quarterfinal Men’s Olympic Hockey. vs.
When: Wednesday, February 19th
Where: Shayba Arena
Time: 12:00 PM ET, 10:00 PM MT
TV: NBC Sports
Projected Starting Lines
Line 1: James van Riemsdyk (Maple Leafs) – Joe Pavelski (Sharks) – Phil Kessel (Maple Leafs).
Line 2: Zach Parise (Wild) – Ryan Kesler (Canucks) – Patrick Kane (Blackhawks)
Line 3: Dustin Brown (Kings) – David Backes (Blues) – Ryan Callahan (Rangers)
Line 4: Max Pacioretty (Habs) – Paul Stastny (Avalanche) – T.J. Oshie (Blues)
Defensive Pairings:
Pair 1: Ryan Suter (Wild) – Ryan McDonagh (Rangers)
Pair 2: Cam Fowler (Ducks) – Kevin Shattenkirk (Blues)
Pair 3: Brooks Orpik (Penguins) – Paul Martin (Penguins)
Goaltender:
Jonathan Quick (Kings)
Czech Republic:
Line 1: Roman Cervenka – Tomas Plekanec – Jaromir Jagr
Line 2: Milan Michalek – David Krejci – Ales Hemsky
Line 3: Jakub Voracek – Martin Hanzal – Martin Erat
Line 4: Michael Frolik – Petr Nedved – Ondrej Palat
Defensive Pairings:
Pair 1: Marek Zidlicky – Ladislav Smid
Pair 2: Radko Gudas – Michal Rozsival
Pair 3: Zbvnek Michalek – Tomas Kaberle
Goaltenders:
The Czech Republic could possibly be an upset candidate against this potent USA team, but will have to play a full game in order to do so. 42-year-old Jaromir Jagr shows he still has game but the firepower from the United States runs through their whole roster. The Czechs struggled towards the end of the game against Slovakia as their barely held on. If the United States can put a goal or two up right away on the Czech’s, it should be smooth sailing from that point on.