That includes comprehensive coverage of the United States (4-0-0-0), which will play Czechia (1-0-1-2) in the quarterfinals on Wednesday (10:30 p.m. ET). The U.S. earned the top spot in Group B with a 3-2 win against Sweden on Sunday; Czechia finished fourth in Group A following a 5-2 loss to Latvia the same day.
Longtime NCAA hockey analyst Dave Starman, who will handle the broadcasts with E.J. Hradek and Jon Rosen, will give his three keys to victory for the United States before each of its games during the 11-day tournament.
"The hardest game to win in the one-and-done scenario, especially as the favorite, is this game," Starman said. "The United States has found an identity, and that is being hard to play against and dictating pace and space. The United States has 22 goals, with 14 coming from between the dots and 11 from that 'grease pan' area in front of the net. The U.S. has also won at least 50 percent of the puck battles in every game and has racked up 70:02 of ice time in the offensive zone, out of 240 total minutes, while defending for just under 28 minutes.
"The lower seed is playing with house money, and if you're not Sweden, Finland, the United States or Canada, you aren't expected to win this game, so you can play fast, loose and take some chances."
Here are Starman's 3 keys to victory for the United States against Czechia:
1. Pedal to the metal
"The United States has generally been good from the start, with the exception being the game against Switzerland in which they ramped up in the second period. Playing downhill in these type of games is much easier than chasing it, especially playing as the favorite. The U.S. is a team built to play hard, heavy, and tenacious, and I don't expect them to let a skilled Czechia team find its legs. The old expression is you can't win a game in the first 10 minutes, but you certainly could lose it. Expect the U.S. to try and stamp its imprint early."
2. Something to prove
"Czechia, which has skill and speed, has been a nice surprise in the tournament. Then came the loss to Latvia, causing Czechia to draw the U.S. and not Sweden in the quarterfinals. The question is, is Czechia really the fourth best team in Group A, or did it lay an egg in a big game and come out aggressive in this one. The 'something to prove' identity of Czechia will have to be dealt with."
3. Clicking combinations
"United States coach Nate Leaman has tinkered with lines, which is his trademark. He tends to have an excellent grasp with line chemistry and combinations of forwards who are clicking. The Logan Cooley (Arizona Coyotes) line gained some traction against Sweden on Sunday, which was huge. The Thomas Bordeleau (San Jose Sharks) line got the toughest matchup against Sweden, and the two-headed monster at the top of the lineup is going full blast, which could create all kinds of issues for Czechia. Redmond Savage (Detroit Red Wings), Riley Duran (Boston Bruins) and Sasha Pastujov (Anaheim Ducks) have also been a handful. Does Dominic James (Chicago Blackhawks) and his line pick it up to give the U.S. four lines flying into the semifinal? I would think yes. There is way too much skill and speed on that line to keep them under control much longer."
