Projecting Czech Republic's lines at the World Cup

Void of past stars like Jaromir Jagr, Patrik Elias, and Milan Hejduk (remember Nagano?), the Czech Republic will need all hands on deck when it comes to the 2016 version of the World Cup.

Team chemistry and an ability to score by committee will be major factors in the Czech Republic's chances of seeing the winner's circle. The first challenge may be piecing together the perfect lines in order for the Czechs to find that success.

Forwards

A quick perusal shows that there is no Czech-version of Sidney Crosby on the roster, but there are some interesting scoring threats nonetheless.

The Czech Republic is particularly strong down the middle, with four centers who are all strong defensively and with the ability to chip in offensively. On the top line, we've paired Boston forwards David Krejci and David Pastrnak, hoping they can find some of that Bruins chemistry alongside the Czech's top player, Jakub Voracek.

The team will bring several left-handed right wingers, like Michal Frolik and Milan Michalek, some of who will get caught in a numbers game and assigned to their off-wing.

Defensemen

There is no sugar-coating it - there is no all-star on the Czech blue-line. That being said, it's a very veteran-heavy group, and a physical one at that. Roman Polak and Zbynek Michalek are perennial league-leaders in the shot-blocking department, while Radko Gudas' physicality can be described in three words: hits to hurt.

The team will bring five right-handed shots to the tournament, with Michal Jordan and Michal Kempny as the lone lefties. That means someone needs to play his off side (we went with Michalek). As for Kempny, the tournament will mark a nice entry into North America for him. The 25-year-old KHL free agent recently signed with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Goaltenders

Petr Mrazek was not only Detroit's best goalie last season, but one of the best netminders league-wide. As a second-year NHLer, Mrazek became the No. 1 in Hockeytown, stealing the job from veteran Jimmy Howard.

Should the 24-year-old Mrazek falter on the big stage, the Czech Republic has some decent second choices in Winnipeg's Ondrej Pavelec and Philadelphia's Michal Neuvirth.

Powerplay

Much like the forward lines, the powerplay units breed familiarity, with the top unit featuring two Bruins in Krejci and Pastrnak. On the second group, we've paired Arizona center Martin Hanzal with Ales Hemsky, who have lined up in past tournaments. The Czech Republic would be wise to steal a page from Arizona's playbook, utilizing Hanzal's massive size at the net with the man advantage.

Meanwhile, the blueline can't be noted for its puck-moving ability, though Polak and Michalek both offer heavy point shots. Considering the teams bevy of scoring wingers, it may be worthwhile to trial a winger on the point.

Penalty Kill

While the Czechs are unlikely to score their way out of trouble, the team can put together a half-decent penalty killing unit, particularly at forward. The team boasts several pivots who are excellent when down a man, particularly Montreal's Tomas Plekanec, one of the NHL's best shorthanded players. Meanwhile, Frolik finished last season with four short-handed points, good for fourth league-wide. On the blueline - despite all four being righties - it offers up four veterans with size who play an old school, stay-at-home style on the penalty kill.