"When the rosters for the games were announced, only one NY Islanders player was named to wear their nation's colors, as Bo Horvat was selected to Team Canada. But after the acquisition of Ondrej Palat, they'll now have two, as the newest Islander will represent Czechia. It'll take no time at all for the two to see each other, with both competing in Group A, as Canada and Czechia open up against one another on Wednesday."
"Heading into the games, the Canadians are the undeniable favorites to have the Gold Medal draped around their necks. Horvat, who leads the Islanders in goals with 23, won't be looked upon to fill the net as he has with the Islanders. With goal scorers galore, it's expected that Horvat will play more of a checking-line role and contribute on the penalty kill, two areas of his game he excels in even when he's not scoring."
"The Czechs' expectations aren't nearly as high, but they could be a threat to take home a medal. With David Pastrnak leading the way and Lukas Dostal in net, the Czechs could surprise some teams in the knockout stages of the tournament. Palat will bring veteran leadership and experience to the lineup Though most NHLers have no expericnce playing in the Olympics, Palat is one player who can say they do."
Two New York Islanders players, Bo Horvat and newly acquired Ondrej Palat, will compete in the upcoming Olympic hockey tournament for Canada and Czechia respectively. Both are in Group A and their teams open the tournament facing each other. Canada enters as clear gold favorites while Horvat is expected to skate a checking-line role and contribute on the penalty kill despite leading the Islanders with 23 goals. Czechia, led by David Pastrnak with Lukas Dostal in net, could challenge in knockout rounds. Palat brings veteran Olympic experience, having played for Czechia at the 2014 Sochi Games.
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