Even though the World Cup of Hockey doesn't start until next week, the Czech Republic team has been hit hard by injuries.
That means players like the Flyers' Jake Voracek and Michal Neuvirth need to have strong showings if the Czechs are going to be a factor in the eight-team field.
Key forwards David Krejci of Boston and Tomas Hertl of San Jose, along with rugged Flyers defenseman Radko Gudas, will miss the tourney because of various injuries. They have been replaced by non-NHL players - two who play in Russia's KHL (forward Michal Birner and defenseman Tomas Kundratek), and Roman Cervenka, a forward who plays in Switzerland.