Czechia is preparing for a pivotal rematch against Canada in the quarterfinals of the men’s Olympic hockey tournament, with hopes of a significantly better performance this time around. The two teams previously faced off in the tournament’s opener, where Czechia suffered a disappointing 5-0 defeat.
Czech forward Martin Necas expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming game, noting the chance to rectify their earlier mistake against Canada. “It’s simply just fantastic,” Necas said following a game against Denmark. He acknowledged a strategic decision that contributed to their loss, suggesting that his team understood the challenge of beating Canada twice in succession.
David Pastrnak also weighed in, emphasizing the need for a shift in mentality. Recognizing Canada’s reputation as potentially the best hockey team ever assembled, he urged his teammates to respect their opponents but not be daunted by them. “We might have to put the respect aside a little bit and try to take their game to them,” Pastrnak stated.
Canada, having secured the top seed in the men’s tournament, is expected to be a tough opponent for Czechia. With the quarterfinal matchup scheduled for Thursday at 10:40 a.m. ET / 7:40 a.m. PT, Czechia is on high alert but remains hopeful for a turnaround in their fortunes. Despite Canada’s success throughout the tournament, history has shown that being the favorite does not guarantee victory. The upcoming clash could serve as a defining moment for Czechia as they aim to prove they are more than just underdogs.