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World Cup of Hockey 2016 Preview: Team Czech Republic

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This weekend, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey will begin, bringing with it the biggest superstars in the National Hockey League.  Starting September 17 in Toronto, eight teams will vie for the championship in a tournament not played since 2004.  Let’s take a look at the chances for Team Czech Republic.

by Bryan Vickroy

The Czech Republic has been the steadiest of the post Soviet countries in international play.  Hoever, the core of this team is aged, and the talent level behind them hasn’t caught up yet.  For this tournament, the Czechs are missing many big names, notably Jaromir Jagr.  While they will be able to hang in games, the talent depth isn’t quite there to stack up against the rest of their group.

WCOH History

1996 WCOH:  8th Place

2004 WCOH:  3rd Place

Potential Lines

Left Wing                                                    Center                                              Right Wing
Ondrej Palat (TB)                        Tomas Plekanec (MTL)                             Jakub Voracek (PHI)
Milan Michalek (TOR)                Martin Hanzal (ARI)                                 David Pastrnak (BOS)
Ales Hemsky (DAL)                    Radek Faksa (DAL)                                     Michael Frolik (CAL)
Michal Birner (KHL)                   Dmitrij Jaskin (STL)                                Vladimir Sobotka (KHL)
                                                         Roman Cervenka (SUI)
Left Defenseman                                        Right Defenseman
Michal Kempny (CHI)                              Roman Polak (TOR)
Andrej Sustr (TB)                                       Zbynek Michalek (ARI)
Michal Jordan (CAR)                                Jakub Nakladal (CAL)
                                                                       Tomas Kundratek (KHL)
Goalies
Michal Neuvirth (PHI)
Petr Mrazek (DET)
Ondrej Pavelec (WIN)

Best Case Scenario

One of the goalies takes charge as the starter, and is able to stop a barrage of shots each night.  Strong defense and taking advantage of mistakes leads to an upset or two, and the Czechs can sneak into the semifinals.

Worst Case Scenario

The talent level compared to their opponents is very evident.  Shaky goaltending dooms them to fall behind, and the team struggles to even earn a point during the round robin, finishing last in the group.

Team MVP:  Ondrej Palat

Leading Scorer:  Ondrej Palat

Breakout Star:  Jakub Voracek