Less than 24 hours after a big win over Slovakia, Team USA is back on the ice for the men’s hockey quarterfinals against the Czech Republic. The game begins at 10:10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on NBCSN in addition to live coverage online.
USA vs. Czech Republic 2018 live stream: Time, TV schedule, and how to watch Olympic hockey online
The Americans look to book a trip to the Olympic men’s semifinals.
Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Boston Bruins prospect Ryan Donato has been a revelation for the Americans in this tournament. The forward is tied for the Olympic lead with four goals through four games, a total matched only by Russia’s Ilya Kovalchuk and Kirill Kaprizov. That’s some pretty good company for Donato to find himself in.
The forward was particularly good in the Americans’ 5-1 win over Slovakia in the playoff opener. He scored two goals while teaming up with Troy Terry, an Anaheim Ducks prospect, for a dominant showing by that line. Terry finished the game with three assists in less than 17 minutes of playing time.
Unfortunately for the U.S., a matchup against the Czech Republic likely won’t be so easy. The Czechs won all three of their games in the group stage to earn a bye into the quarterfinals. Goaltender Pavel Francouz, who usually plays for the KHL’s Traktor Chelyabinsk, has allowed just four goals on 80 shots in those three contests. It’s good for a .950 save percentage that’s among the best in the tournament.
Leaning on defense and goaltending has worked well for the Czech Republic so far. They also have Michal Repik, who leads the team with three goals and four points, and Michal Birner, who leads the team with three assists. Former NHL players Martin Erat and Jiri Sekac have combined for two assists through three games.
The winner of this game will face whoever advances from the quarterfinal between Olympic Athletes from Russia and Norway. Presumably, that’ll be the Russians, so the road to the gold medal game remains tough for Team USA. A win over the Czech Republic on Tuesday would at least give them a shot.
How to watch USA vs. Czech Republic, Olympic men’s hockey quarterfinal
Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
Where: Gangneung Hockey Centre, Gangneung, South Korea
TV: NBCSN
Live stream: NBC Olympics
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