The Blackhawks 2019 fourth-round pick tallied five assists in five games for the Czech Republic.
With the 2020 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship concluding on Sunday, now is a perfect time to check up on the Chicago Blackhawks 18-year-old prospect, Michal Teply. Teply played wing for the Czech Republic and was their leading scorer to help secure a seventh-place finish.
A quick flashback on Teply’s year, the Havlickuv Brod, CZE native is in his first season of junior hockey with the Winnipeg Ice of the WHL. Teply is averaging just over a point-per-game with 30 points (13G, 17A) in 29 games, which ranks third on the team.
Game 1- 12/26/19 vs. Russia
Teply opened the World Juniors with a strong showing, as he registered three primary assists in the Czech Republic’s 4-3 victory over Russia. The 6-foot-3, 192-pound forward failed to record a shot on goal but was heavily involved in his team’s success. Teply skated with the first line alongside Matej Pekar (Sabres) and Jan Jenik (Coyotes).
The Czech Republic opened the scoring on the powerplay as Teply set up Simon Kubicek at the point for a power-play goal.
Teply recorded his second primary assist on a quick play in transition, and then picked up a third on the eventual game-winning goal late in the second period.
Not only did Teply excel offensively, but he did his part on the Czech Republic’s penalty kill as well.
The only negative takeaway from the opening contest for Teply was his lack of coverage on the Russian’s third goal to tie the score.
Game 2- 12/28/19 vs. Germany
After an impressive first showing, Teply remained on the Czech Republic’s top line with Pekar and Jenik against the Germans. The right-handed winger finished with 0 points and four shots on goal in 22:29 in the 4-3 loss.
Teply’s best chance of the game came in the third period on a near-breakaway opportunity. He was able to fire a shot on net, but it was stopped by the German netminder’s blocker.
Game 3- 12/30/19 vs. USA
Unlike the first two games, Teply skated with the Czech Republic’s second line in the 4-3 OT loss to the United States. He recorded his fourth assist of the tournament, while also leading both teams with six shots on goal in 22:27.
Teply’s assist came on Libor Zabransky’s power-play goal to give the Czech a 2-1 lead late in the first period.
Teply also helped set up the game-tying goal in the third period to force overtime but was not credited with an assist.
The Czech Republic ended up losing in overtime, which was because of Teply’s lackluster defense. He got caught puck watching and left his man, Alex Turcotte (Kings), wide-open to set up Cole Caufield (Canadiens) for the game-winner.
Game 4- 12/31/19 vs. Canada
Teply picked up his fifth assist of the World Juniors on the Czech Republic’s opening goal to make it 4-1 Canada. He moved the puck to Simon Kubicek at the point, and Vojtech Strondala tapped home the rebound in front for a power-play goal.
Teply finished the game with two shots on goal and a -1 rating in 18:25.
Game 5- 1/2/20 vs. Sweden
The Czech Republic was shutout 5-0 against Sweden, so Teply obviously failed to record a point. Teply’s final stat line credited him with two shots on goal and a -2 rating in 16:24.
Teply’s best chance of the game came on a 2-on-1 rush that was stopped by Swedish goaltender Hugo Alnefelt.
Teply finished the World Juniors with five points (all assists) to lead the Czech Republic in scoring. The Blackhawks’ prospect was named one of the team’s best three players of the tournament by the coaches.
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