today 15:25
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Michal Handzuš was in Prague in the role of co-commentator three years ago. He had a little more fun then, as the Chicago Blackhawks season was starting in the Czech capital, with whose jersey he raised the head of the Stanley Cup in 2013. At that time, only one duel was played against the Philadelphia Flyers. . The former great center was delighted that the fans could now see two games.
When a person doesn’t see the NHL live for a long time, they forget how good it is
How do you rate the Prague weekend with the NHL?
“It was great. It’s great that two games were played. I might know another side. It’s always nice to be able to watch the NHL live. Plus, I played in San Jose, I got to meet some people who still work there.”
You probably also pushed with a packed O2 Arena at the end of the second game with the Sharks 2-3 under enormous pressure for the equalizer?
“Yes, I wanted San Jose to draw. After all, thanks to two Czech hockey players, the room crossed their fingers. It would be ideal if the second game went into overtime. Too bad they didn’t draw, they played very good. six against five, but they missed a goal. ”
Aren’t you disappointed that you experienced San Jose as the first team in the NHL and now it will probably be among the worst again?
“I’m not disappointed. I knew the team was in such a semi-reconstruction. I expected Nashville to be better over the weekend. He showed it clearly in the first duel, in the second he was lucky even in the final, when the goalkeeper did. Great save. The Sharks have two solid fives, but they lack depth. ”
Were you interested in a particular player who skated over the weekend in Prague?
“The first formations have been very good from both teams, both Tomáš Hertl with Tim Maier in San Jose and Granlund, Duchene and Forsberg of Nashville have been excellent.”
Nashville Predators – San Jose Sharks
Source: Reuters
Did you like it more now or three years ago when Chicago played Philadelphia?
“Then it was more special, because I ended up in the NHL with the Blackhawks and had the biggest success there, and I played in Philadelphia early in my career and loved it. I had a relationship with both clubs. But now the games were at a better level, plus it’s always an advantage to have two, not just one. This system is better. ”
It seemed to show once again that the global brand is the NHL, when the cheapest tickets cost around 130 euros, and still more than 16, respectively 17,000 fans came to the booth, what do you think?
“Maybe a person forgets a little bit about it when they haven’t seen NHL games in a long time, what kind of quality it is. When you can get a close look at the pro league players’ skills, it’s great. It’s good that the NHL comes in. Europe and that children can see the best teams in the world “.
A few weeks ago he said goodbye to Zdeno Chara’s career. Don’t you feel nostalgic that your great generation is finally over?
“I think if Zdeno wanted, he could keep playing. He’s got the condition and he’s headed for it. I don’t know if I was homesick. Of course, Zdeno was the top. His career and history are very inspiring. He should talk to. everyone and especially with the children. Emphasize to them that there is no need to cry if something doesn’t work out. All you have to do is work hard and dreams can come true. ”
When it comes to ‘kids’, our most enlisted kids are fighting for the NHL, will Juraj Slafkovský stay there?
“It’s hard to say, the NHL is hard. Juro had a slow start but now he’s recovering. I think they’ll give him a chance. Then it’s up to him how to deal with travel and the daily routine. His head is set up correctly. He succeeds. not to take the pressure so much to heart. The player is very good and can only improve. He has what it takes to last a whole year in Montreal. ”
