Okay kids are in bed lol.
My main takeaways from today’s game.
1. Augusta looked very engaged with the players. Lots of communication and fist pumps (opposite from what posters mentioned against Slovaks).
Also, really liked the decision to put Šale on the 2nd line. Clearly worked wonders.
2. Kulich really put the team on his back today. Clearly a great leader and he just looks so comfortable out there. Man can he really rip that puck… if he doesn’t stick in NHL then I don’t know..
3. Becher, Melovsky, and Bareš are great players. Relative unknowns but have been impactful thus far. Good speed and hockey sense.
4. Galvas. I like what I saw. Like Czechboy mentioned, he had a quiet game. This is great for a 17 year old. But he also showed some flashes of skill and overall ability at both ends of the ice.
5. Cech and Prčik scare me. Don’t know what it is but they remind me of some past Czech undrafted 19 yo defenders. Ie,( Nemeček, Šulak)Not super fast and take poor penalties. I can see them being a liability against USA and others. We shall see although Prčik wasn’t that bad today.
6. Sapoušek sucks. Get him off the 2nd line asap. Literally put anyone else there.
7. 4th line was killing it! I really like how balanced the forward group is starting to look. It’s slowly looking similar to last year.
Zidlicky deserves a lot of credit. Was flying out there.
8. Our PP outside of Kulich is just okay so far. Fairly one dimensional at times today but it did look really good early against Slovakia. Im not too worried. They will have to be spectacular against USA.
9. Like others have said, structure has seemed to be lacking. Our breakouts of our zone are generally bad. I’m not sure if that comes down to lack of chemistry or coaching but it definitely needs to improve big time.
10. Hamara. Never been a big fan of his (even though I’m a Sens fan). But he really impressed me today. Specifically his intelligence in D-zone. Kid has a wicked wrist shot from the point too.
11. Lastly, Alscher. Nice comeback game from him after a poor overall showing against Slovaks. Used his size really well and skates good for a big man. His decision making in D-zone was also good.
Overall, today was a good confidence boost for the boys. Hopefully they gained some good chemistry to help them with next game.
Just need to be confidant and play hard with no silly penalties and we have a chance to make it interesting.
Still think USA wins. They’ll likely pull away in the 2nd or 3rd period but I hope to be wrong. Maybe Hrabal is saving his best play for last.
Great writeup.. glad you're posting during the tourney. I feel like a madman sometimes yelling at clouds.lol
1. I have no idea what to think of Augusta... the Liberec connection and old school worries me a bit. However, ask me after the Quarters (if we make it). I hated that he split up the big line and punished Sale... I'm currently eating shit on that one.lol
2. Kulich is a bojovnik! He always plays well for us... by my count he has played 26 games at the big Tourneys (U18, Hlinka, U20) and has 36 points.
And 4 points in 4 games at Hlinka. Few all stars and a tournament MVP for us in those years.
I felt like this about Zadina too! We know how that is playing out.haha
3. I've always loved Bares.. has a 'pro' feel to his game. Very polished and always plays well for us. Good future Euro! Becher, I think, is either 'on' and lights out or 'off' and total shit. Small tournament and he could get hot for a game or two and that would be great as an outscorer. Melovsky has been my fav. I have this theory that Kulich can carry his own line and doesn't need Sale. Get Jiri the puck and collect assists. He seems good in that role and Sapo does the dirty work.
4. Not sure if you know, but lots of arguments about Galvas.lol Some have him in Round 1... some have him undrafted as a strong Euro D like Kundratek has become or maybe Nemec who was smaller but had tools. I wasn't sure if he'd make the team and I'm still not sure if he gets drafted. Total enigma to me. His skating is beautiful but his size isn't. I am really curious how he does and if he makes the Draft and where?
5. Cech is exactly what Czech hockey used to be. However, he's been in the system and they trust him. Pairs well with an offensive type guy. He does his job well but he's definitely the next Jordan (who at least made the NHL, Cech stands no chance but should be a good Euro pro). Prcik I liked today and wanted to see him and Metalarsky. The Euro ice may be an advantage to both.
6. I have no thoughts on Sapousek.lol .ppg in WHL and relatively big. A few years ago he'd be on the top line.lol
7. Zidlicky had a fabulous start and is cast perfect.. annoyting 4th liner. He's Jakub Flek! He may be fun in the room too and have some intangibles. Just don't want him in top 6. I didn't realize he is only 18 and is back next year. So I'm happy he's playing and returning. I do think next years team (pre injury and weird coaching decisions) is stronger than this one. I think next year is our best bet at medalling again. Hrabal/Milota as the 1-2... Sale as an AHL 19 year old and an insane D core with Port, Jiricek, Galvas, Badinka, Dvorak, Cibulka, Svozil and Fibigr. Toss in a Curran and a Benak too!
8. PP worries me.. I can see what they are trying to do and understand 'get it to Kulich' but it's one and done. The goal today was from him passing it off and getting it open. He should be able to setup a few guys himself since everyone is expecting the pass. Last year's dynamic D spoiled me as Svozil and Jiricek did a lot on that PP.
9. Yup, we look lost... 1st period today, 2nd and 3rd yesterday. That's 3 very shitty periods so far. We've only played 6 and have yet to play a US/Canada/Sweden.
10. Love Hamara and think he makes the NHL. Reminds me of Kaberle a bit.. less offense than Tomas but more D like Frantisek. I could be out to lunch on this one though! His OHL time has not been the best.
11. Alscher is playing well.. he's going to be tough to make NHL.. he's more old school himself. Perfect Top 4 compliment to guys like the now departed Jiricek or Hamara. Less we notice him the better. Actually, he's probably our next Michal Jordan.
The penalties need to go badly. I also feel like Zidlicky is the only one demonstrating 'we will fight to the death'. I felt like last years bottom 6 was much meaner! We need Zohorna style types down there that will get down and dirty push after the whistle and be pricks. Not seeing enough of that.
I'll be in shock if we beat US in the round robin. I do think we have the team and game to beat anyone in the quarters as guys give it their all and block more shots and such. I no longer care about the placement.. Slovakia screwed it all up for us (lol) and we are playing Canada/Finland/Sweden and most likely Canada/Sweden. Nightmare quarter incoming. No more injuries, get the PP down, work on the PK and get a good flow for the quarters. Hope Hrabal improves with each game.
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