Good game. Pity the shootout didn't end the other way but then again, it was "only" a group stage game. The Czech team was tactically very well prepared, they were using a lot of disruptive plays in the neutral zone, resulting in puck steals and opportunities to move forward: Something which has "always" been typical for Czech hockey. It is apparent now what the chance vs. the US team is: To not let them gain full speed through the neutral zone. When their opponent is playing with all five players close together, with not much room in between them, then the main quality of the US team, speed, can be eliminated, at least partially.
I am glad the Czech team seems to be getting better game by game. The first one was a disaster, the second was a mandatory win but a good work overall, today it was a very good performance. Now they need to get ready for the game vs. Switzerland, and obviously above all for the QF game.
The US - SVK game can be very interesting. Since Germany is on the track to end 3rd in their group, it is hard to say that winning this group would bring any big advantage to the winner. Plus, QF games are always so tricky and upredictable, "choosing your opponent" seldom works. The last round will be mainly about getting ready for the QF game for all the teams which are already advancing there with certainty.
