I wrote this before the game:
Keys to victory:
Bartosak can't allow more than 2 goals (which he's consistent at)
** only 1 against and he set it up for an assist to pass both Zohorna's in scoring
We need to score early and get Germans to open up as we're much deeper
** we did score first and second.. it opened up after that
Get crowd jumping
** I'm not sure if they were jumping but, going into third, I wanted to throw up
We can't stop Drai (no one can) but we need to contain him - I would personally 'larkin him' and assign a fast guy to drive him crazy (like Palat or Frolik). Germans can't afford to match us
** no line matching with our 'modern coaches'... Drai against Zohorna.. of course. Drai against Moravcik.. of course. Drai against Robert Zaruba.. why not?
First line needs to keep scoring and tilting ice or First line needs to be even against Drai and 2nd and 3rd line need to outscore German 2nd and 3rd line
** we definitely outscored German 2nd and 3rd lines.. we also countered Drai effectively. I would've preferred us just match Simon line against him all night but it worked regardless.
Secondary scoring from anywhere (I'd guess Kubalik or Kovar)
** Kubalik with a rocket... Kovar with 2 goals
Palat is due for his first mutli point game!
** 1 goal but it was the dagger that ended it
No stupid penalties from Jaskin/Moravcik/Zohorna
** Jaskin had one. Moravcik got an assist and allowed Drai in on a breakaway (he'd be my 7th D).. Zohorna's played awesome and created several chances
We have a deep team with tonnes of skill and we've kept first periods close and then opened it up in 2nd and 3rd periods.
** waited till 3rd but got our 7th 5 goal game.
I know Kahun is great but we have about 5 guys like him or better (including Vrana and Chytil.lol)
** I never meant for Chytil to be Top 6... he is bottom 6 now... I'd prefer him on wing in bottom 6 with 2nd PP time. Vrana is top 6 by a mile and should be there. Never noticed Kahun.. did notice Toeffels a few times.
Since we're not using logic (or stats) to make decisions we need character guys like Gulas and such to rally the boys and get them to win with 'intangibles' that can't be measured
** We did win but Gulas was awful. He's only looked 'good' against Italy and Austria. Using Swiss and this game.. Kubalik and Kovar score away from him, not with him. If he's a great locker room guy (and I really struggle thinking guys like Voracek look up to him) then maybe 13th forward? He's going to get killed against Canada.
Powerplay needs to be good - special teams are huge in elimination games
** powerplay was awful.. however, it's also 4 NHL guys and Gulas. I don't get this at all. He's getting premium minutes and not delivering at all... if I'm wrong, please share a .gif but he's not controlling play, he's not scoring and his shot is a muffing. That's before watching him miss 2 empty nets including one inside the blue line.
PK needs to continue being good
** it was great! Canada has a much different looking Powerplay though.
Hronek needs to not go crazy.lol
** Hronek was awesome. Zero questions. Next Zidlicky is great.
well, I would take it..
