World Cup of Hockey Sweden vs. Europe: Time, Channel, more
New York Islanders netminder Jaroslav Halak and his Team Europe takes on Team Sweden in Washington, in the last day of World Cup of Hockey pre-tournament dressage. Here’s all the information on where to catch the game.
It hasn’t been pretty for Team Europe and specifically their two New York Islander netminders so far at the World Cup of Hockey. In two pre-season games against Team North America, the Europeans have allowed 11 goals against while scoring 4 goals themselves.
Thomas Greiss was hung out to dry in his only appearance for Team Europe. Being torched for four goals against on 8 shots. He was mercifully pulled within ten minutes.
Most of us focus on those tangible injuries. Injuries that will result in players missing game time. What about the fragile psyche of a player. Confidence is a powerful tool, the same can be said for lack of confidence.
Perhaps a date with Team Sweden will hopefully help restore some of Team Europe’s confidence.
Team North America was able to exploit the European’s sluggishness to their advantage. Their top-to-bottom youth ran ragged against and aged Zdeno Chara, Marian Hossa, and Mark Streit. Neither of these players were outright speedsters in their hay-day, but between 37 and 39 years old now, whatever step they once had it’s slowing going now, if not already gone.
Team Sweden isn’t built on speed like Team North America’s pure North-South game. Rather, Sweden’s structured system might be a little easier for them to deal with.
But with that being said, Team Sweden is the second overall favorite to win the tournament. Not the greatest proposition when looking to bounce back from two confidence shattering defeats.
Game Details:
Date: Wednesday, September 14th
Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Washington DC, USA
Venue: Verizon Center
TV: ESPN3 (US), Sportsnet 360 & TVA Sports2 (Canada)
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Team Europe showed more cohesion in that second game against Team North America. The aim for this game is to improve that cohesiveness and keep the game close. Win’s don’t actually matter in the pre-tournament. But no one wants to be blown out three times in a row.
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