Positive and Negative Takeaways from the Czech Republic’s Performance at the World Championship

Here are a few positive things: Dominik Kubalík went to Dubai to “clear” his head after the NHL season, but he returned in solid form. And he calmly transformed from the usual role of a sniper into a scorer who had a key “A” in both Czech goals. Both were visually stunning and a certain appreciation of successful shooters.

The defender Knot made a great attack and hit the gap with millimetres, Červenka’s finishing of a quick counter was reminiscent of his reign at last year’s championship in Tampere. However, it should be noted that at the end of the third part, he fouled completely unnecessarily and thus allowed the Finns to take the duel to overtime. That was a tactical error for which a teenager would deserve to be roasted, there is no need for the captain, because he surely feels the guilt himself.

Špaček gave a good performance again, although it is a question whether he will remain in the elite formation when Chytil arrives. And the tempo of the whole team’s game gradually increased. However, coach Jalonen also said: “We played really well in the third period. But we weren’t smart enough in the last two minutes.”

Now a few negative things: The power supply failed. However, it can be taken as a toll for the fact that its cast changes as new players arrive with pivotal tasks. Its architect, Martin Erat, still has at least a week to polish it with the players.

The defender Jordán, on the other hand, sometimes fluttered like his long locks on the ice, until you remembered last year’s preliminary games, when you felt that he could not survive another wave of cuts in the national team. But he stayed until the world championship, where he definitely did not burn out and was part of a fairly solid defense.

History may well repeat itself, although Jalonen will have to make at least one cut in defense (provided he takes eight backs and one substitute). Perhaps the experience of the coaches from last year’s Tampere is the answer to why they still keep him in the lineup.

More was expected from Filip Chlapík from the beginning of the training, he is perhaps gradually getting going, but he didn’t convert solid chances against Austria and he had another promising opportunity against the Finns. At the same time, he needs hits, because his role is supposed to be scoring, not breaking in the fourth line.

“This match told me a lot about where we are going and how we are doing. It’s now a bit easier for us coaches to analyze our players, especially because of the opponent we faced,” Jalonen said.

There are only three days left until the verdict is given on who will be heading to the World Cup.