Today, regarded Czech newspaper outlet, iDNES.cz, posted an interview with Roman Polak and he had some interesting comments regarding the state of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

MLHS member, “drummond’, who speaks Czech fluently, translated the entire interview for us below. As is the case with a number of translated interviews, some of of it can be lost in translation and some words can be misused or misunderstood.

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“Toronto is full of praise for Polak, however he laments: ‘We do not play as a team’.

The name of Roman Polak is frequetly mentioned in hockey circles. While in the Czech Republic performance of the referee (of name Roman Polak) is criticized, the Czech defenseman in the NHL is regarded highly. Polak meets the expectations which Maple Leafs management had for him when he was acquired from St. Louis and he has become one of the most important defensemen of the Maple Leafs. However, the team does not play well at the moment. The 9-2 debacle at home against Nashville underlined the series of three loses in a row.

Polak was at loss for words after last game and only shook his head: “I do not know what´s going on. We play bad, simple as that. We play like on a (fun) trip, we play like it is a summer season,” wondered Polak.”We can´t just sit back and say the season is over. No way, we have played 20 games, we have to work hard, get over this, forget that game and go on,” continued 28 years old graduate of Vitkovice hockey club.

During his interview he appears to be the same guy like on the ice. Resolute, firm, reliable and persistent. Before coming to Toronto he spent his whole career in St. Louis. It was his defensive style which brought him to Toronto.

“My role is quite simple. I have to be tough, play physically especially in the corners and in front of the goal. These are the areas in which the opposition cannot get any room and it must hurt,” said Polak to Canadian media before the season started.

After 19 games (in Toronto) Member of the Czech Olympic Team from Vancouver and member of the Czech national team from this year’s World championship hears lots of praise on his address: “He is probably one of our fastest defensemen,” said his partner Jake Gardiner. “He is very mobile and on top of that he is physical and strong. He plays aggressively.”

Polak plays most minutes after Dion Phaneuf, on average he plays over 21 minutes per game. He was nicknamed “crazy” in St. Louis most probably for his willingness to sacrifice or maybe for his warrior appearance. Like in St. Louis, Polak ranks among the best in Toronto in blocked shots and hits.

In the Czech Extraleague he would dominate the so called “Radegast Index”. In the NHL he ranks third in the whole League with 73 hits and with 49 blocked shots he ranks fourth.

However, Polak does not care much for his personal stats. What bothers him are the team results. In November, Toronto defeated strong Chicago, Rangers or Boston but then after two loses Maple Leafs were severely beaten (by Nashville). Worst result since 1991.

We have proved that we can play (good) hockey, however we do not want to play it. I do not know why, perhaps it hurts or it is more difficult,” said angrily Czech defenseman after 2:9 loss.

“We do not listen to coach (what to do) at all“

The demanding fans in the Air Canada Centre also showed their displeasure. They tossed some garbage and jerseys on the ice. “Unfortunately, these things happen here. Guys are used to it. When winning, you are a local hero, if you lose like this, it is pretty bad. We have to accept it, we are professionals,” added Polak.

What is the reason of the crisis according to defensive stalwart of Toronto? “I believe (some) guys are trying to take it into their own hands and win it by themselves. That´s not good either. We do not play as a team, we play as a bunch of individuals,” believes Polak.”

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