Czech redemption

Czech Republic need a redemption after the loss in the opening game against Sweden. As announced coach Adamczik chooses Winnipeg Jets’ Ondrej Pavelec in the net but hasn’t yet Radko Gudas, still fighting against the flu. No changes in Latvian roster after the unlucky debut against Switzerland: Edgars Masalkis between the pipes and Koba Jass and Armands Berzins not dressed. Czech has a more aggressive start, even because Latvia isn’t Sweden, and Masalskis has immediately a lot of work on Jagr, always praised by the crowd, Nedved and Hemsky. Survived to the first power-play, Latvia suffered first goal at 10.10 by Martin Erat: his shot passes between Masalskis’ legs. Latvia reaction is in a shot by Pujacs and a good save by Pavelec on a long-range shot by Bartulis. In the same power play Latvia ties game in a strange way: puck shot by Janis Sprutks hits the camera inside Czech goal and gets out, so no one realizes it was a goal. The game goes on but almost two minutes after, video unit calls the referee to review the images. Long discussion and goal validated. The goal depresses Czech, on the control of the game until now, and Latvia has a big chance with Sprukts well blocked by Pavelec. When the country calls, one of its best son answers: Jaromir Jagr scores a fantastic goal at 19:29, he received the puck from Zidlicky and standing takes aim the angle of the goal, impossible for Masalskis, a capital goal to send Czech in the restroom with high morale, exactly in the best Latvia momentum. At the begin of second period Plekanec misses an incredible goal before the Latvia’s tie, another beautiful goal: Herberts Vasiljevs finds the net with a volley well angled shot. Czech scores third goal with another beautiful move, Jakub Voracek stretches the stick to deflect volley a shot by Michalek. Before the end of the period Czech manages to increase advantage, this time with a goal coming in a confusing action, with the decisive touch by Marek Zidlicky and the protest of Masalskis, alleging an hold by Michalek.

In the last period Czech controls the game, Cervenka and Jagr have chances blocked by Masalskis between 45th and 47th min. At 57 Latvia has a good opportunity earning a 5 on 3 power play but Czech power play killing unit works very well, allowing to close the game without more risks. Czech earns first points winning a game not very exciting in the last part, resolved mainly with the individual class, Jagr and Zidlicky above all

After the game goalie Ondrej Pavelec looks at the positive improvement of his team: "team's effort was pretty good. I think the second half of the first period we played really well, and we didn't expect it would be easy today. Latvia is a good team. They've played together for a long time, and they play in Riga together, so it was a tough game for us. But I think we handled it pretty well. The penalty kill at the end of the game was huge for us."

Herberts Vasiljevs scored a beautiful goal and is satisfied with his team performance, despite the loss: "I think we played well. We could see that the Czechs were a little bit better, and we've got to stay out of the penalty box because when they have a powerplay it's unbelievable. They just pass the puck around, and that's how they scored their goal. It's really hard to come back after that. We were close, but it's just not enough. Another goal for us would change everything, and we would probably just carry it over into overtime. But the Czechs are a good team, and they had their chances, and they just kept coming at us and coming at us until the goals came."

Jaromir Jagr was the most waited by journalists in the mixed zone: We have to wait for a tougher game. Latvia is a pretty good team but we felt that, from the first minute, we had the game under control. We didn't play very well in the first half of the game against Sweden but we played better in the second half of this game, so we have to wait for tomorrow against Switzerland to see what kind of team we really are. Obviously, it's not the Switzerland of 10 years ago when everybody was beating them. They're a very good team. Last championship they brought the silver medal home and a lot of the guys play the whole year on the big ice - and it's a huge advantage for them." Questioned about the ability to continue to play at a high level despite turning 42 years old (tomorrow), Jagr smiled and said:  "I don't get old, man. I don't know why."

 

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