russia vs czech republic hockey
By the end of Super Sunday — USA vs. Canada, Russia vs. Czech Republic, Sweden vs. Canada — the true contenders in the Olympic hockey tournament will reveal themselves. [1]
Russia is the standout favorite while the Czech Republic and Slovakia field strong teams. [2]
While the European teams will game plan for stopping Sidney Crosby, Jarome Iginla and the rest of Canada’s high-powered stars, it would not be surprising if Perry (pictured) pots a game-winner or two next week. [1]
Latvia will will attempt to fight for respectability. [2]
Jaroslav Halak, Slovakia: With Marian Gaborik expected to miss at least the first two games with a leg laceration, the underdog Slovaks face an uphill battle against the Czechs late Wednesday night. [...] Corey Perry, Canada: One of the NHL’s best least-known players, the 6-3, 210-pound two-way center for the Anaheim Ducks creates matchup problems for Canada’s opponents. [1]
But the Russians would be relegated to one of four dangerous “qualifying” games on Tuesday that will determine the four lower seeded teams for the eight-team quarters. [...] So far, the decision by GM Vladislav Tretiak to have so many KHL players on his roster has not backfired. [...] He’s scoring, making plays, carrying the puck with the command that he displayed in the NHL and getting more comfortable with each shift. [...] What to watch — Two traditional rivals who play some of the most highly-skilled hockey in the world will take the ice for the first of three scintillating Sunday matchups. [3]
Tomas Plekanec, Czech Republic: The shifty center is having the best season of his four-year NHL career with the Canadiens, but is still unheralded outside of Montreal. [1]
Nobokov is a good, serviceable NHL goaltender but he is never going to be confused with Patrick Roy. [2]
If he stays under control — a relative term for him — Ruutu can provide Finland some much-needed power play time. [1]
Total NHL players in game: 30 — In addition to the 16 Czechs and 14 Russian NHLers, there are a couple of guys who enjoyed a moment or two in NHL play: Czech winger Jaromir Jagr and Russian center Sergei Fedorov, who combined to score 1,129 goals and 2,778 points in 2,521 League games. [...] Watch the 2010 Winter Olympics on the networks of NBC Coverage begins Friday, Feb. 12, at 7:30p ET/PT with the Opening Ceremony and concludes Feb. 28. [3]
Sources:
[1] Seven to Impact Men’s Hockey’s Medal Round — Olympics …
[2] Big Bad Blog ” Russia
[3] Preview: Russians need to rebound vs. Czech Republic | NBC …