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TORONTO -- Late in Team Europes exhibition victory over Sweden, Danish forward Frans Nielsen looked at his countrys flag on his sleeve and reflected.Nielsen remembered the 200 times Denmark played Sweden and lost.We tried so many times, but theyre just too good, Nielsen said.But on a team that mixes players from Denmark, Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany, Slovenia, Austria and Norway, Nielsen beamed with pride that he finally -- finally -- beat the Swedes. It didnt matter that it was a pre-tournament game with no points on the line because Team Europe now has a belief going into its World Cup of Hockey opener Saturday against the United States.Its fun to come to a tournament like this and feel like you have a chance to do something, Nielsen said.Coach Ralph Krueger, a Canadian who serves as chairman of the Southampton Football Club, calls it the magic of Team Europe, the only one at the World Cup that wont have an anthem played before its games. Critics have complained that mashing together leftover European players is too gimmicky a concept, but the group together makes the World Cup far more competitive than if individual countries had to go up against titans like Canada and Sweden.Anze Kopitar is the only NHL player from Slovenia and knows his national team couldnt win a tournament like this. Slovakia has enjoyed some international success, but in a best-on-best competition, it cant hold up as well, and neither can most of the other countries.Together, its different.You dont feel like a complete underdog where youre going to be outshot 50-10 and your goalie needs to make numerous saves in order for you to have a chance to win a game, Danish forward Jannik Hansen said. You feel like the playing field is leveled a little bit because now you have the depth that is always lacking when you play these teams.Slovak goaltender Jaroslav Halak wont be counted on to be a hero. Halak stopped 34 of 36 shots against Sweden and could see a similar workload against the U.S.Hell have help because Europe is deep up front with playmakers Marian Gaborik and Thomas Vanek, all-around winger Marian Hossa and speedster Mats Zuccarello. Big Zdeno Chara and underappreciated Roman Josi anchor the defense, which will be tasked with stopping Patrick Kane and the Americans.Krueger believes it was good for his team to get whacked a couple of times by North America to shake off some summer sluggishness, break bad habits and prepare for the U.S.It was the best thing for us, he said.That is, until Europe scored five goals to chase The King, Henrik Lundqvist, and beat Sweden on Wednesday in Washington. Beyond giving Nielsen a sense of relief, that win was a major boost.Its just another step we took in the right direction, defenseman Christian Ehrhoff said. Playing a good team in Team Sweden and beating them, it gives us confidence and it shows that we are not just here to show up and lose.---Follow Stephen Whyno on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/SWhyno . Nike Shoes Sale .com) - The Chicago Blackhawks aim for their third three-game winning streak of the season when they host the struggling Edmonton Oilers in Sundays battle at the United Center. Air Jordan 15 Sale . Calgary scored on the first shift, and Michael Cammalleri scored twice as the Flames cruised to a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals on Saturday. https://www.wholesaleshoesforcheap.com/kobe-bryant-shoes-sale/ . -- Aldon Smith believes he is on the path to being sober for good. Nike Zoom Sale . Luis Suarezs double powered Liverpool to a 4-0 victory over Fulham, and Southampton easily overcame Hull 4-1 to continue the south coast clubs impressive start to the season. Liverpool and Southampton sent Chelsea down to fourth place as the west London club was held to 2-2 at home. Replica Wholesale Shoes . -- Devin Hester is done returning kicks in Chicago. ' ' '