OLYMPICS: Ice hockey-Czechs set for 'biggest game' against Canada in quarterfinals

MILAN – The Czech Republic’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday sets up a daunting men’s ice hockey quarterfinal clash with tournament favorites Canada, which forward Martin Necas called the “biggest game” of their lives.

After edging past a spirited Danish team to keep their Olympic hopes alive, the Czechs now prepare for a rematch against Canada, who handed them a 5-0 defeat in the group stage. That loss highlighted the gap the Czechs must close at Arena Milano on Wednesday to revive their medal ambitions, 20 years after winning bronze in Turin. The team also captured gold in 1998, the first Olympics that featured National Hockey League players.

Necas, who has tallied seven points in the tournament, has been central to the Czech offensive effort. He will face off again against his Colorado Avalanche teammates Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar—both with five points—and Devon Toews.

“The hockey we play in Colorado fits my game, and playing with great players there helps me improve every day,” Necas told reporters. “We just have to play smart. We’re going to give our best. This is maybe the biggest game of our lives, and we’re excited.”

While the Czechs have shown flashes of their attacking quality, they will need more against Canada, who have looked like the most complete team in the tournament.

“We already saw them once, so we know what to expect,” Czech defenseman Radko Gudas said. “We have to recover well and be at our top game. If we want to beat one of the top teams, we have to perform at 110%.”

Gudas added, “It’s going to be a big challenge, but if you want a medal, you have to be ready to beat anyone in this tournament.”

-Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Milan; Editing by Bil Berkrot/Reuters