The Official Slovakia Team Thread

As the Olympics are getting closer and closer, Id thought it would be good to make a thread where all things Slovak go (theres not much of them though).

So post your questions, thoughts or idea's about the Slovak Team here.

First things first.

A while ago the team said that Tomas Surovy will replace Radivojevic on the taxi squad as Branko wants to rest during the Olympics.

Another thing which is being said about the team: We may have a lot of firepower but until we have this defense-"We take a 1-0 lead and defend till we die"-first coach, we wont be scoring a lot. Its weird but thats the way it is. With a team which has like 2-3 defensive forwards we try to play a defensive game and not try to open up.

For a 20 year old Mezsaros's ability will amaze you.

For a 20 year old Mezsaros's ability will amaze you.
I hope he does.

He, IMO, will surely get PP time and (hopefully) PK time.

Goaltending and defense may be a problem.

Meszaros has such a booming point shot, I wouldn't be be surprised to see him on the point with big Z in front of the net like last year.

Also, think Budaj will contend for the starting goalie job, or will Lasak get it as usual? I suppose it's his to lose.

My personal option is that Slovakia has the best defense crop in a long time. Chara is good as always and Meszaros has been really good in Ottawa in all games I've seen. Visnovsky is tearing up, and with Strbak they were in my eyes Slovakias best defensemen in last years WCH. Majesky and Suchy is getting plenty of icetime in the NHL, so it looks good.

A question though, how will they pencil in Svatos on this team? Will he be a player for the top-3 lines?

I'd love to see Radivojevic and Petrovicky on the team as defensive, hard-working players... to bad they weren't selected.

Goaltending and defense may be a problem.
Style of play has been the biggest problem.

Why what's wrong with the style of play of the Slovaks.

And If I were any of the other teams I wouldn't overlook this team, because you guys have alot of big guns up front and Chara's scary

Why what's wrong with the style of play of the Slovaks.

And If I were any of the other teams I wouldn't overlook this team, because you guys have alot of big guns up front and Chara's scary
When you have a relatively weak defense from 4-6 , questionable goaltending and forwards that can skate and have great ability- you had better have a very up tempo forechecking system as well as a few play patterns on offense that work for the group. Holding the puck a little longer and knifing into holes, getting pucks to the net. An aggressive forecheck would get them the puck either deep in the opposition end or in the neuatral zone where this team should be able to effectively regroup and go to transition offense. This team has far too often played passive and without offensive direction. That will not work, they need to dictate the pace to get teams back on their heels. A little self belief can go a long way.

My personal option is that Slovakia has the best defense crop in a long time. Chara is good as always and Meszaros has been really good in Ottawa in all games I've seen. Visnovsky is tearing up, and with Strbak they were in my eyes Slovakias best defensemen in last years WCH. Majesky and Suchy is getting plenty of icetime in the NHL, so it looks good.

A question though, how will they pencil in Svatos on this team? Will he be a player for the top-3 lines?

I'd love to see Radivojevic and Petrovicky on the team as defensive, hard-working players... to bad they weren't selected.
Radivojevic anyway got injured yesterday and he's getting an operation on his nose during the Olympics.

Petrovicky is IMO too penalty prone for the Olympics. It will be inetersting where Svatos plays though. I hope he gets top 6 minutes.

is handzus the top center for the slovaks?

is handzus the top center for the slovaks?

My guess would be Demitra if healthy, and previous years had Stumpel as the #1 with Palffy flanking him, things will most likely have changed this year though.

any idea what the lines are gonna be?

When you have a relatively weak defense from 4-6 , questionable goaltending and forwards that can skate and have great ability- you had better have a very up tempo forechecking system as well as a few play patterns on offense that work for the group. Holding the puck a little longer and knifing into holes, getting pucks to the net. An aggressive forecheck would get them the puck either deep in the opposition end or in the neuatral zone where this team should be able to effectively regroup and go to transition offense. This team has far too often played passive and without offensive direction. That will not work, they need to dictate the pace to get teams back on their heels. A little self belief can go a long way.

Thank you kind sir, either way I hope they do well, I like alot of players on the team. :)

any idea what the lines are gonna be?

I think thay will play like that:

Chara Meszaros; Hossa Demitra Gaborik
Visnovsky Jurcina; Satan Stumpel Bondra
Strbak Majesky; Nagy Handzus Zednik
Suchy; Bartecko Kapus Svatos

Isn't Nagy a center? :dunno:

I think thay will play like that:

Chara Meszaros; Hossa Demitra Gaborik
Visnovsky Jurcina; Satan Stumpel Bondra
Strbak Majesky; Nagy Handzus Zednik
Suchy; Bartecko Kapus SvatosVisnovsky will play with Strbak, and I would put Satan with Handzus.

Also, Svatos deserves a place on one of the top 3 lines, but who is going to be bumped to the 4th ? :dunno:

is handzus the top center for the slovaks?
Stumpel.

I know it sounds weird but thats the way it has been the last 3 years, It could change though.

Ok, the two Slovakia threads are getting confusing, merge?

any idea what the lines are gonna be?
The most usual lines:

Nagy-Stumpel-Bondra
Gaborik-Demitra-Hossa
Zednik-Hanzdus-Satan
Bartecko-Kapus-Svatos (he hasnt played for SVK so far so it will be interesting where he goes)

Visnovsky-Strbak
Chara-Meszaros
Suchy-Majesky/Jurcina

Lasak
Budaj

Ok, the two Slovakia threads are getting confusing, merge?
Before the server fell, I wrote that this thread isnt for just the discussion of the roster like the thread you created was and this thread will be here during the Olympics too.

The Powerplay units are going to be Scary (I'm not actually sure of the personnel this is just a guess)

1st
Nagy Demitra Chara (Stand in front of the net)

Visnovsky Hossa

2nd
Gaborik Hanzdus Satan

Meszaros Bondra

wow

I have a question about goalie personaly who do you think will have the starter job ? because Lasak has a huge international experience, and in the same time, Budaj has really good skills so ?

I've always cheered for Slovakia. The country never got any respect from IIHF, NHL, or the North American public (dunno about Europe). Having been thrown into a low international pool despite the obvious talent level after the breakup of Czechoslovakia despite the Czechs staying in the elite group. Then having to play the first round of Olympic tournaments without their NHL players because only 6 nations were considered to be elite. So, now that they are finally on level ground with the other 6 elite nations, I hope the Slovaks will put on a good show. Of course, I cheer for Canada, but Slovaks are my second favourite. Go Slovakia Go!

The Powerplay units are going to be Scary (I'm not actually sure of the personnel this is just a guess)

1st
Nagy Demitra Chara (Stand in front of the net)

Visnovsky Hossa

2nd
Gaborik Hanzdus Satan

Meszaros Bondra

wow
Actually thats way off but I dont blame you.

I guess the PP's will be:
Gaborik-Chara-Hossa
Meszaros-Demitra

Bondra-Stumpel-Satan
Visnovsky-Strbak (or Bondra with Nagy on the LW then).

I have a question about goalie personaly who do you think will have the starter job ? because Lasak has a huge international experience, and in the same time, Budaj has really good skills so ?
Nobody knows really. I would let Lasak and Budaj catch each a couple of games and who is better plays the QF game.

Another Question. I know he retire from the NHL, but is Palffy going to suit up by any chance?

Another Question. I know he retire from the NHL, but is Palffy going to suit up by any chance?
No. He wasnt even selected.

Nobody knows really. I would let Lasak and Budaj catch each a couple of games and who is better plays the QF game.

How about Karol Krizan?

I am very excited to see the Slovak team in action! Is Jan Filc going to be head coach? I played hockey with his son Robert at the University of British Columbia a few years ago and lost touch with him... last I heard he was playing for HC Viktovice in CR. Anyone know where he ended up?

Actually thats way off but I dont blame you.

I guess the PP's will be:
Gaborik-Chara-Hossa
Meszaros-Demitra

Bondra-Stumpel-Satan
Visnovsky-Strbak (or Bondra with Nagy on the LW then).

I'm really surprised that neither of you guys have Marek Svatos on either of the PP units. This guy IMO is getting no respect around the NHL or even in international circles. As a matter of fact, the guy is finally being suggested as a possibility for the Calder, but if it weren't for Crosby and Ovechkin, it'd be neck and neck Svatos and Phaneuf. Check out the article about Svatos here (http://www.nhl.com/features/spotlight/svatos020106.html)

Honestly, the guy has 30 goals! I like your idea of having Bondra slide back into Strbak's spot on the 2nd PP and have Svatos up top.

Let me just say that the Slovakian fans will love Jurcina. He has been simply outstanding for Boston, playing better than any other defenceman not named Brad Stuart. He's a rock defensively and has a cannon of a shot.

I am very excited to see the Slovak team in action! Is Jan Filc going to be head coach? I played hockey with his son Robert at the University of British Columbia a few years ago and lost touch with him... last I heard he was playing for HC Viktovice in CR. Anyone know where he ended up?
Frantisek Hossa- the father of Marian nad Marcel will be the head coach.
Robert Filc has retired and works in some software company in Prague.

No. He wasnt even selected.

Cool, thanks

How about Karol Krizan?
Although he may be playing well in the SEL, Im surprised he was picked. It was always Lasak/Stana with a 3rd G who wouldnt play and with Budaj now emerging, I thought the trio would have been Lasak/Stana/Budaj.

I dont think he will start any games and if he does, its against Kazakhstan. People still see him here as a bit of a choker and his reputation wont let him play, although his play may be good enough. Its like McCabe on Team Canada. He may be good enough, but many people dont want him to play.

I am very excited to see the Slovak team in action! Is Jan Filc going to be head coach? I played hockey with his son Robert at the University of British Columbia a few years ago and lost touch with him... last I heard he was playing for HC Viktovice in CR. Anyone know where he ended up?
Hes a backup in some Slovakian team in our First League I believe.

Also Head Coach: Frantisek Hossa :shakehead:
Assistant: Jergus Baca and Jan Jasko

Edit: After reading a post above I guess R.Filc has retired. I really lost track of him during the 04/05 season.

I'm really surprised that neither of you guys have Marek Svatos on either of the PP units. This guy IMO is getting no respect around the NHL or even in international circles. As a matter of fact, the guy is finally being suggested as a possibility for the Calder, but if it weren't for Crosby and Ovechkin, it'd be neck and neck Svatos and Phaneuf. Check out the article about Svatos here (http://www.nhl.com/features/spotlight/svatos020106.html)

Honestly, the guy has 30 goals! I like your idea of having Bondra slide back into Strbak's spot on the 2nd PP and have Svatos up top.
I forgot about him a bit to be honest. He has never played for Slovakia and the coach doesnt like him I believe. IF Nagy pulls out, then Svatos takes his spot on the PP for sure.

Although he may be playing well in the SEL, Im surprised he was picked. It was always Lasak/Stana with a 3rd G who wouldnt play and with Budaj now emerging, I thought the trio would have been Lasak/Stana/Budaj.

I dont think he will start any games and if he does, its against Kazakhstan. People still see him here as a bit of a choker and his reputation wont let him play, although his play may be good enough. Its like McCabe on Team Canada. He may be good enough, but many people dont want him to play.

Ok, didnt know that he had that kind of reputation in Slovakia.
Stana however seems to be regressing, but it's hard to tell if it's his team (Södertälje, 11th place) that hangs him out to dry or if he has indeed gotten worse.

Ok, didnt know that he had that kind of reputation in Slovakia.
Stana however seems to be regressing, but it's hard to tell if it's his team (Södertälje, 11th place) that hangs him out to dry or if he has indeed gotten worse.
He around here is called a diver, locker-room cancer, an ego-centric player etc.

His reputation around here is quite bad and I dont think the coach wants to make himself even more hateable by playing him against top teams like Sweden etc. Imagine if he played him against Sweden and we lose like 7-1..
We would have a war around here.

Imagine if he played him against Sweden and we lose like 7-1..
We would have a war around here.

I wouldnt mind :D

Havent heard anything about him being a locker room cancer in Modo, but then again i dont follow them that closely.

We have lost Nagy because of injury.

How about lines?

My choices:

Gaborik - Demitra - Marian Hossa
Svatos - Handzus - Satan
Zednik - Stümpel - Bondra
Marcel Hossa - Kapus - Bartecko

Visnovsky - Strbak
Chara - Meszaros
Jurcina - Suchy

Lasak (Budaj, Krizan)

PP1:

Gaborik - Chara - Marian Hossa
Visnovsky - Bondra

PP2:

Svatos - Stümpel - Satan
Visnovsky - Demitra

How about lines?

My choices:

Gaborik - Demitra - Marian Hossa
Svatos - Handzus - Satan
Zednik - Stümpel - Bondra
Marcel Hossa - Kapus - Bartecko

Visnovsky - Strbak
Chara - Meszaros
Jurcina - Suchy

Lasak (Budaj, Krizan)

PP1:

Gaborik - Chara - Marian Hossa
Visnovsky - Bondra

PP2:

Svatos - Stümpel - Satan
Visnovsky - Demitra

Good lines. They look almost how they will in Turin.

If Slovakia doesn't let Krizan play in net I really hope that they choke. The way he has been playing this year there is not a chance in hell that Lasak och Budaj could outperform him. He has been without a doubt the best goaltender in the SEL and the best I've seen in the leauge for many years, I guess it's only Henrik Lundqvist that has been having the same calibre, and that kinds of explain how good Krizan is.

He does everything excellent and the most consistent goalie I've seen. He hasn't done a real misstake during any of the 42 games he has played in so far. It's only ONE time that you could say he has done close to a misstake. He is excellent with the stick aswell.

As the commentator of tonites game said "If anybody is gonna take the #1 spot away from Krizan this year, well then they must have been playing tremendously". No way Lasak och Budaj could do better, no way.

And just mentioning Stana as 3rd is just a big silly joke. He hasn't been close to what we saw last year, not just because his team is worse but also from his play. He do make a lot of misstakes, something that Krizan yet not have done.

He has got 93.70% (almost 1% more than #2) and a GAA of 1.93. He faces the most shots against in the whole leauge and has an impressive 6 SO, which is almost most in the leauge.

In 19 games Krizan has been selected best player of the game, that must be some kind of record! He has won so many games for the team and all players (including NHL players, Timander, Salmonsson, Svartvadet etc) say they've never played with such a goaltender. One should also note that MODO isn't a top team, they have the second youngest team in the leauge and let in the least goals (2/3 of the defence is under 21 years old) and it's 80% because of Krizan.

If now he is what you say locker room cancer (which we haven't noticed since he can't speak English), does that really matter? How many goalies can you speak to before a game? It's a short tournament and you want the best you can get...The team here loves him, because he save their ***** time after time.

Yes, he is lazy at practice, he sucks at pregames but when it comes to competition games he's better than any other goalie. Slovakias goaltending shouldn't be a big question mark, not with him in the team. But if they don't let him play, just because the people don't like him, well then they're doing a fatal misstake. Lasak is inconsistent, Budaj is #2 behind AEBISCHER (says it all)...Krizan dominates the SEL. Anybody that want the Slovakian team best would pick Krizan...I don't think ANY Swede who has seen him play will dissagree.

Krizan is one of the best goalies I ever seen and he is up their with lundqvist.

Slovakia should play him for their sake.

Here are some clips of games he's played...just for the curious. Lots of Pardavy and Rastislav clips in there too :-)
http://content/1/c6/53/39/78/060206-modo-dif.asx (Last nights game, 41 saves, 41 shots)
http://svt.se/content/1/c6/52/84/87/060130-modotimra.asx
http://svt.se/content/1/c6/49/19/94/2005-1122-manderville.asx
http://svt.se/content/1/c6/46/25/41/modo.asx
http://svt.se/content/1/c6/49/60/17/051129-luleamodo-stoap.asx
http://svt.se/content/1/c6/46/62/41/051010-mora-modo.asx
http://svt.se/content/1/c6/47/28/29/051020-modofbk.asx
http://svt.se/content/1/c6/49/42/77/051126-modoseger99.asx (Not much of Krizan)

As I dont have much time Ill just say:

Krizan wont be the no.1 (probably).

If Slovakia doesn't let Krizan play in net I really hope that they choke. The way he has been playing this year there is not a chance in hell that Lasak och Budaj could outperform him. He has been without a doubt the best goaltender in the SEL and the best I've seen in the leauge for many years, I guess it's only Henrik Lundqvist that has been having the same calibre, and that kinds of explain how good Krizan is.

He does everything excellent and the most consistent goalie I've seen. He hasn't done a real misstake during any of the 42 games he has played in so far. It's only ONE time that you could say he has done close to a misstake. He is excellent with the stick aswell.

As the commentator of tonites game said "If anybody is gonna take the #1 spot away from Krizan this year, well then they must have been playing tremendously". No way Lasak och Budaj could do better, no way.

And just mentioning Stana as 3rd is just a big silly joke. He hasn't been close to what we saw last year, not just because his team is worse but also from his play. He do make a lot of misstakes, something that Krizan yet not have done.

He has got 93.70% (almost 1% more than #2) and a GAA of 1.93. He faces the most shots against in the whole leauge and has an impressive 6 SO, which is almost most in the leauge.

In 19 games Krizan has been selected best player of the game, that must be some kind of record! He has won so many games for the team and all players (including NHL players, Timander, Salmonsson, Svartvadet etc) say they've never played with such a goaltender. One should also note that MODO isn't a top team, they have the second youngest team in the leauge and let in the least goals (2/3 of the defence is under 21 years old) and it's 80% because of Krizan.

If now he is what you say locker room cancer (which we haven't noticed since he can't speak English), does that really matter? How many goalies can you speak to before a game? It's a short tournament and you want the best you can get...The team here loves him, because he save their ***** time after time.

Yes, he is lazy at practice, he sucks at pregames but when it comes to competition games he's better than any other goalie. Slovakias goaltending shouldn't be a big question mark, not with him in the team. But if they don't let him play, just because the people don't like him, well then they're doing a fatal misstake. Lasak is inconsistent, Budaj is #2 behind AEBISCHER (says it all)...Krizan dominates the SEL. Anybody that want the Slovakian team best would pick Krizan...I don't think ANY Swede who has seen him play will dissagree.
Well you've got me convinced. I'm all fired up for Krizan now. Lasak licks the boot.

So any word on the replacement for Nagy? I know Petrovicky and Radivojevic were on the taxi squad. Isn't Branko injured?

Clearly bored,
MoneyP

So any word on the replacement for Nagy?Surovy.

http://hokej.point.sk/spravy/?clanok=39976

Interesting, i really didnt know about krizans season. obviously if a goalie came up big for sk, it would change everything. My feeling is that slovakia will need something extraordinary to get into the medals....we all know about the great players but the limited depth, and when playing against the very best, you cant have only 3 solid lines. in short, why will the olympics be different than the world cup?

As mentioned before Penguins Tomas Surovy will replace injured Nagy and Pavol Demitra has been named captain.

http://www.iihf.com/news/iihfpr1306.htm

...and yes Karol Krizan is a great goalie.

Surovy.

http://hokej.point.sk/spravy/?clanok=39976 (http://hokej.point.sk/spravy/?clanok=39976)

Checkmate! Slovakia zagging when everyone expected them to zig and shocking the world. Well done.

Surovy? this is why slovakia, frankly, is shy of being a medal contender. If anybody goes down during the tournament, it would be a real problem. But, at the very moment some top slovak stars are hot--gaborik, satan. If guys like that are running on all cylinders, it would be great to watch.

Im actually happy Surovy got picked. He's one of the few pure LW's that we have. He seems better than Marcel Hossa.

Pavol Demitra is the captain of Team Slovakia in Turin. That is pretty weird, I think. Why didn't they select Miro Satan?

No. He wasnt even selected.


Yeah, because he already said he was retiring.

Pavol Demitra is the captain of Team Slovakia in Turin. That is pretty weird, I think. Why didn't they select Miro Satan?



I dont think that is weird at all. Pavol is having a nice year, and seems to be an all around good guy in the locker room.

Slovaks tend to underrate Demitra, it seems to me. Maybe because he isnt as much of a media figure as ziggy or Satan.

I hoped that our captain will be Peter Bondra...
I think Demitra isnt the right person for C...

I didnt really mean to comment on the leadership qualities of demitra, i know nothing about that to be honest. i do think that bondra has a maturity, and i would agree that he would be a good choice. why wasnt orszagh put on the team...did i hear that he turned it down..?

Zalesak is on the team...comments?

Never mind...as third replacement player.

Budaj played an outstanding game last night for the Avs, stopped alot of good scoring chances.

Michal Handzus will not play for slovakia...:cry:
he has problems with his injured shoulder...

So who starts in net for the Slovaks? I imagine that they'll go with one of the Euro-based goalies for at least the first game against Russia, but is it going to be Budaj the rest of the way or are they going to play it by ear?

I'm under the impression Lesak will start due to more experience


does anyone know who's replacing Handzus? will it be Zalesak or Petrovicky?

I'm under the impression Lesak will start due to more experience


does anyone know who's replacing Handzus? will it be Zalesak or Petrovicky?I read that Slovakia won't replace Handzus. Anyway, I'm not sure and please correct if the information isn't true.

That'd be great if Chara wasn't playing 40 minutes each game.

Sincerely,

A concerned Sens fan

Slovaks tend to underrate Demitra, it seems to me. Maybe because he isnt as much of a media figure as ziggy or Satan.

Not as much of a media figure as ZIGGY?!? How could you be less of one?

I have been a Kings fan forever and I think I have seen Ziggy interviewed maybe once.

Slovaks tend to underrate Demitra, it seems to me. Maybe because he isnt as much of a media figure as ziggy or Satan.
Demitra's a quiet guy, but that doesn't mean he's not a leader. He seems to exude silent, solid strength. Plus, maybe he's more vocal among his countrymen? :dunno:

Any chance that Budaj will become the starter (or get starts) for Slovakia?

Lines from yesterday's training

white unit: Majeský, Zálešák - Bartečko, Surový, Marcel Hossa

blue unit: Višňovský, Štrbák - Petrovický, Demitra, Marián Hossa

red unit: Jurčina, Suchý - Zedník, Kapuš, Svatoš

black unit: Chára, Meszároš - Šatan, Stümpel, Bondra

Gaborik didn't train

http://ms.hokej.sk/clanok40100.htm

Not as much of a media figure as ZIGGY?!? How could you be less of one?

I have been a Kings fan forever and I think I have seen Ziggy interviewed maybe once.

I believe it. What I had in mind was the public in slovakia, where he is a media figure. Magazines and papers love to write about his private life and so on, and he is among the countrys national sports heroes. For some Slovak hockey fans, it might seem strange that he is anonymous, and while a widely respected player in north america, i dont think that he ever really received the recognition he deserved.

to #12 peter bondra:

why is russian flag as a background in your avatar? :dunno:

to #12 peter bondra:

why is russian flag as a background in your avatar? :dunno:
It is Slovak flag. Budaj will be the starter in our first game.

It is Slovak flag. Budaj will be the starter in our first game.
believe or not i'm quite familiar with slovak flag. if it is a slovak one don't you think that there's missing sometning in the middle? :dunno:

believe or not i'm quite familiar with slovak flag. if it is a slovak one don't you think that there's missing sometning in the middle? :dunno:
Well it was with Kovalchuk but I have taken it off a hour ago.

Well it was with Kovalchuk but I have taken it off a hour ago.
so it was russian flag wasn't it? just curious

so it was russian flag wasn't it? just curious

It was a Russian flag.

It was a Russian flag.
i knew it :)

It was a Russian flag.


Actually, the original Slovak flag (only flown during WWII) was similar to the current Russian flag. They added the Slovak national symbol to the flag when they broke off from the Czech Republic because the Russians claimed the other flag.

Pan-Slavic tricolore... not so good for the small countries trying to create their identity, Slovenia have discussed changing theirs to avoid further confusion with Slovakia :D
[http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/si!new.html]


Imo the Slovak crest alone would be a kickass flag.

Oh.. and:

"Before the separation of Slovakia and the Czech Republic, a resolution was passed by the Czechoslovak government that neither of the two "new" states could continue to use the red white and blue flag of Czechoslovakia. Upon separation, Slovakia adopted the White/Blue/Red flag with the shield of arms in the upper hoist. The "new" Czech Republic adopted the flag of former Czechoslovakia, in direct violation of the resolution mentioned above. Slovakia was ticked off over this, but the Czech folks said "The country that made that rule doesn't exist any more" and refused to change.
Nick Artimovich 31 October 1996" :amazed:

What is tie breaking method? goal differential or head on head competition?