That D was apart from Zidlicky, Smid and Gudas awful... and even those were awful from time to time. Bud Hadamczik will be there until 2015 WHC... I bet on that
Zbynek Michalek was OK too. But sure, defence was terrible. I think nobody expected it differently. We just lack elite defenseman, hell we don't even have above average NHL-caliber defenseman and that's a problem at this kind of tournament. Especially when you don't have a goalie that would make up for that.
I usually hate to use what if, but if we had Hejda and Kaberle would not be on the top 4, then our D would be much better. But even with current roster, the results should be better.
I just don't know why would anyone tried to play up and down hockey like we did with team USA in first period with that bad D. We couldn't handle it even against Slovakia.
Also Ondrej Pavelec's career NHL record in back-to-backs: 4-17-0, 4.22 GAA, .866 save % on 575 SA.
I usually hate to use what if, but if we had Hejda and Kaberle would not be on the top 4, then our D would be much better. But even with current roster, the results should be better.
I just don't know why would anyone tried to play up and down hockey like we did with team USA in first period with that bad D. We couldn't handle it even against Slovakia.
Also Ondrej Pavelec's career NHL record in back-to-backs: 4-17-0, 4.22 GAA, .866 save % on 575 SA.
Pavelec is the real problem. He's just not good.
At WHC 2013, Lojza didnt know that Hejda doesnt play PP in Colorado. How do you expect him to know this?
I dont know about you guys. But I just want to punch him in the face: http://oh.idnes.cz/hokej-hadamczik-nechce-odstoupit-soci-d8h-/zoh-hokej.aspx?c=A140219_212804_zoh-hokej_cig