2019 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships Bronze Medal Game – Russia vs Czech Republic Preview & Prediction`
AT A GLANCE
When does Russia vs Czech Republic start? Sunday, 26th May, 14:45
Where Russia vs Czech Republic taking place? Ondrej Nepela Arena, Slovakia
What television channel is Russia vs Czech Republic on? The match will be not be shown live on UK TV
Where can I stream Russia vs Czech Republic? Russia vs Czech Republic will not be streamed live on UK TV
Are tickets still available for Russia vs Czech Republic? https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2019/wm/static/6180/tickets
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Last meeting: Russia 3-0 Czech Republic
THE TEAM NEWS
RUSSIA
- Russia’s hopes of winning the World Championships were dashed on Saturday as they were edged out by Finland with the only goal of the game coming in the third period in what was an incredibly tense and tactical matchup where defences were clearly on top.
- Despite possessing some of the biggest names in the world on their roster, the likes of Yevgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin could not find a way past the Finns and despite a stellar defensive unit, the Russians will feel like they have lost a big opportunity to pick up another trophy.
- That defeat was the only loss they have suffered during these World Championship so they will now be desperate to ensure they do not leave empty handed as they seek to pick up the bronze medal and all their key men will be available to help them achieve that.
CZECH REPUBLIC
- Czech Republic were outclassed in their semi-final match against Canada so their confidence will be somewhat dented from that game and they will not be helped by the fact that they played the later game so they have had less time to recover for this match.
- The Czechs are going to have to pick themselves up quickly to bounce back from the Canada loss and they know they have to avenge a 3-0 loss to the Russians from the group stage which was the only defeat they suffered up until the semi-final defeat.
- They will be looking to their experienced players such as Jakub Varacek and Michael Frolik to lead them and score and create something against this Russian defence which has proven itself to be arguably the best in the tournament.
THE PREDICTION
Bronze Medal matches can often be unpredictable as so much depends on the mindset of the two teams and how they approach the game. Russia will be seething and frustrated after failing to score against Finland and losing 1-0 despite having so much quality at their disposal. There is every chance that frustration will manifest itself in this match and they could punish the Czechs. The fact they have had longer to recover for this match will also benefit them, and they should comfortably seal the bronze medal here.
