WILMINGTON, Mass. -- David Krejci's speedy recovery from offseason hip surgery not only provided the Bruins with a boost, but it also gave the center a shot at Olympic glory.
Krejci is on the 60-man preliminary roster the Czech Republic released in preparation for the Games in February. With Krejci making it back in just four months after a four-to-six-month prognosis, Czech representatives can take a close look at the player who might be their best all-around center.
Right now, Krejci is looking no further than the Bruins' upcoming road games against Dallas and Phoenix.
"I just want to get on the ice and feel great," he said. "I feel pretty good. But, it's like they said, the first couple months it's going to be sore."
A glance at the Czech roster reveals that the only other pure centers are Phoenix's Martin Hanzal, Montreal's Tomas Plekanec, 37-year-old former NHL player Martin Straka and 31-year-old journeyman Jan Bulis. New Jersey's Patrik Elias and the Rangers' Vaclav Prospal have played center in the past but are better suited on the wing. So Krejci, 23, who registered his first two points of the season (both assists) Monday, looks like a solid bet to be the No. 1 or No. 2 pivot.
"If I'm playing good, I don't see any reason they wouldn't take me," said Krejci, who broke out for 73 points with Boston last season. "If there are that many better players, they won't. Hopefully I'm healed and playing good enough for them to take me."
Final Olympic rosters are due by the end of the year. Tim Thomas (U.S.), Zdeno Chara (Slovakia) and Marco Sturm (Germany) seem like sure bets to head to the Games in Vancouver.
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