By Russ Cohen
There are two big games today. Sweden and Finland will be a bloodbath. Both teams are capable of winning. The U.S. Czechia game will be interesting, and I’ll break down that one a bit.
How can Czechia win this game?
They can play like they did against Canada. Play a physical, disruptive game and take the offensive chances when the team gives it to them. I see them playing very defensive knowing the firepower Team USA has. Michael Hrabal can steal a game. Czechia won’t be satisfied with beating Canada and trying to ride that. Their coach will make sure of that.
Will this game come down to goaltending?
I don’t think so. What I mean by that is both goalies are really good, so I don’t think Trey Augustine is markedly better than Hrabal.
What is the biggest thing to watch in this game?
See if Team USA doesn’t take retaliatory penalties or try and hit the Czechs harder and dirtier and potentially get off their game. I would worry about that. It’s happened before and it could happen again.
Who is the X factor in this game?
I think it’s Ryan Leonard. He will be physical; he’ll go to the net and the team loves riding his emotion. The U.S. top line has to get in on the scoring. Danny Nelson has added a lot of surprising goals but will that last?
I think Team USA will be playing Sweden for all the marbles, but this tournament always has twists and turns.
