Three of the Devils' four representatives at the Olympics have advanced to the quarter finals.

After squeaking by Slovakia with a hard fought 5-3 win, Jaromir Jagr, Patrik Elias, Marek Zidlicky and the rest of the Czech Republic team have moved on to the quarters, where they'll square off with the United States.

The Czechs started off the tournament with a loss and a lot of drama surrounding the team, but they appeared to have righted the ship winning two of their last three games. As a result, they'll have an opportunity to play for a medal should they be able to upset the United States, who've looked very good thus far.

New Jersey's players have made a big impact for the Czech Republic and are a big reason why they've made it thus far. Zidlicky is tied for the team lead in points with four and is averaging over 26 minutes of ice per game, while Jagr is 3rd on the team in scoring. Elias, on the other hand, had one point in his first two games before missing the last due to "sickness." There's been no word on if he'll be able to play against USA, but there's no doubt the Czechs have a much better chance with him in the lineup than without him.

USA's team speed is off the charts and they have a huge advantage between the pipes, so chances are the remaining Devils will be sent home tomorrow, but that's why they play the games. Czech Republic won't be an easy out.

Meanwhile the Devils' other olympian, Damien Brunner, and the Swiss were sent home early after a disappointing loss to a well-coached Latvian team. Switzerland fell behind 2-0 and that proved too big of a hole to climb out of for a team that failed to score more than one goal in a game throughout the tournament.

Back in New Jersey, Pete DeBoer is preparing for the return of NHL hockey as the Devils' non-Olympians will begin practicing tomorrow. Devils hockey is just over a week away.

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- What is Jaromir Jagr's trade value?

- Is Mike Cammalleri a good fit in New Jersey?

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