When you say off wing you mean that he's playing LW when he normally plays RW even though he's a left handed shot?
GDT: 2018 WJC • Game 01 • Group B: CZE (5) - RUS (4) F
- Thread starter Woodhouse
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kp61c
Registered User
I'm sure this has been asked and answered before, or there's an obvious thing I'm missing. Why did they take Yelizarov and not Alex Alex?
Fantomas
Registered User
- Aug 7, 2012
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Alexandrov just turned 18 recently. He is very young. He is the kind of guy you want carrying the puck and I don't think Bragin trusts him to do that yet at this level.
Next year.
They are not a legitimate threat. They were the better team today for sure. When the two countries meet, their historic grudge always translates to deep emotion and intensity by the Czechs that is rarely if ever matched by Russia. Today their skill level and physical power was over the charts, but that demonstrably drops off when matched with non-rivals. If they finish second (they are certainly capable of losing to Switzerland), then they will likely be matched up with Finland in the QF, and I'll take the Finns in that matchup.
Czechs aren't a legitimate threat. But if their big dogs (necas, chytil, safin, zadina) can come to play, they can absolutely give teams a scare.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
Its the same story every year though. Bragin's takes an old team that includes a ton of grinding forwards or older defensemen who aren't any good.
Russia has younger players who could probably do a better job than the older players. Look at what Finland did two years ago with Laine, Puljujarvi, Juolevi, Aho. Three draft eligibles, and an 18 year old. Would any of them have made Bragin's team?
Fantomas
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- Aug 7, 2012
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I agree with you 100%. I think Bragin probably puts his players through some fitness regimens and the older guys do better and so he takes them.
But that won't score you goals.
TheGoldenJet
Registered User
Just like anything else, when you are producing successful results, no one questions your strategies. When you stop producing success, all of your strategies will be called into question.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
I said this last year, as well. I think Bragin is a very good coach, but I think he should allow some younger players on his teams.
A good game from us. Could have been a lot more comfortable for the Czechs if the refs were treating both sides equally. From the second period on, there were calls only against one team.
I doubt this plays much of a role with players born in late 1990's. Our U20s have not been successful against Russia for quite some time anyway, and as for the senior Czech teams, it has more to do with Russia being a better match for us tactically than Sweden for example.
I doubt this plays much of a role with players born in late 1990's. Our U20s have not been successful against Russia for quite some time anyway, and as for the senior Czech teams, it has more to do with Russia being a better match for us tactically than Sweden for example.
The problem with the Czech hockey is well known here: After the successful decade 1996-2005 (on both men's and junior level), everybody thought we are the best in hockey forever, we do everything right, and nobody from abroad has anything to teach us. Many people became too proud really, in the manner "nobody can teach world champions/ OWG champions/ etc., we are the hockey world leader." They forgot the hockey is still developing, and literally fell asleep upon the triumph. Moreover, many bad mores emerged even in the kid's hockey, which caused many kids (or perhaps their parents) to stop playing hockey at all.
I believe things have been changing to better during the last few years, but it is not so easy to close the gap, even for a nation with such a massive hockey base. So I am really happy we can see some really big Czech talents again, some young players coming into the NHL and so on. Perhaps in a few years we can be back on the level of the Swedes or Finns, where the Czech (Czechoslovak) hockey used to be.
czechcanadian
Registered User
I'll agree with you on the latter.. they are definitely capable of losing to Switzerland. Historically they have a hard time getting motivated for these games. But can't agree with you on the former. That was only the 2nd time Czechs beat Russia in their last 14 meetings or so.
There's been pretty competitive Czech teams in the past 5 or 6 years, but they never had as much fire power as they do now. If the big 5 (Necas, Chytil, Zadina, Safin, Kaut) can keep playing well, anything can happen for them this year.
So I think what we had was, an above average Czech team, and below average Russian team.
But, it's still early to say. Anything can still happen. Bragin won't go down easy. I can see Russia bouncing back and beating Sweden.
really impressed. so skilled & not afraid to try to make plays.
c9gunner
Registered User
- Dec 24, 2011
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