Team Europe needs ‘perfect game’ to beat Canada in Game 2

TORONTO – Canada played their worst game of the World Cup of Hockey in Game 1 and won. Team Europe played their best game of the tournament but was on the wrong side of the 3-1 scoreline. So what’s the mood among Ralph Krueger’s men with Game 2 Thursday night?

“We feel good. I think we played arguably the best game so far in this tournament but we just fell short,” said Team Europe captain Anze Kopitar. “Because of that, we can’t get discouraged. Our backs are against the wall now. We’ve gotta win two games now to win the thing. We’ve got to come, play with confidence. There’s no reason for us to be nervous about anything. Come out, play hard and we’ll see what happens.”

Team Europe pressed Canada for much of Game 1, which included a good scoring chance on the opening shift, but could only beat Carey Price once after a fortunate bounce landed on Tomas Tatar’s stick. Against a powerful opponent, they know they cannot waste any of their opportunities.

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“We had the chances to score. We had them right from the start of the game,” said forward Pierre-Edouard Bellemare. “We just have to be able to take the eyes off Carey. You won’t be able to score against [Jaroslav Halak] if he sees the puck. It’s the same thing for [Price].”

Much like Canada knows there’s room for improvement from Game 1, Team Europe’s players realize there are things to clean up from Tuesday night because they will be punished for any mistakes.

“Tonight, every single play will count and it’s going to be very important,” Kopitar said. “Just go out with confidence, but at the same time just try to eliminate mistakes, take care of the puck and make sure they don’t get many odd-man rushes or breakaways.”

Kopitar and his teammates can play almost pressure-free hockey in Game 2. They’ve been discounted the entire tournament and now are facing the end against the heavy favorites who are playing at home. Many expect Canada to close things out Thursday night and it will take an inspired effort for Team Europe overcome the hurdle they’re facing.

“I think we played a good game,” said forward Mats Zuccarello. “Obviously you can say that as much as you want, they still won. They’re class players over there. We have to play a perfect game, little bit better than last game and we have to score on our chances.”

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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy