Minnesota Wild: Team Europe and Niederreiter Roll to the Semis

The surprise of the World Cup of Hockey has been the great play of the collection of players to include Minnesota Wild forward Nino Niederreiter that make up Team Europe. They’ve shocked some of the tournament’s favored teams and look to continue their trail of upsets as they play their semi-final game on Sunday against Team Sweden.

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The surprise team of the World Cup of Hockey has easily been Team Europe. The conglomeration of players from eight different European nations looked to be out gunned in their first two pre-tournament games against Team North America. Then a surprise big win 6-2 in their last pre-tournament tilt against the tournament favorites Team Sweden, and people began to wonder how good the Europeans could be.

For Minnesota Wild forward Nino Niederreiter he seemed to struggle along with his team in those first few games. In the two contests against Team North America, Niederreiter played about ten minutes in each game and struggled to find a grove with his line mates. Then enter the third game and just like his team Nino decided to wake up, responding to the energy his fellow linemate Leon Draisaitl’s. Then in the first round robin game he fueled Draisaitl’s hat trick he notching two assists against Team USA. The give and go that Niederreiter had with Draisaitl in this game might be the highlight of tournament to this point.

It just seemed like the coach of Team Europe Ralph Kruger kept his team positive and made the adjustments necessary to spark the Europeans. So going into the round robin games Team Europe came out with a purpose and poise to upset the favored Team USA. Kruger seemed to see that fresh legs and pressing the play would beat the slow physical game of the Americans.

Sep 17, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Europe forward Marian Gaborik (12) celebrates with teammates after his fist period goal against Team USA during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /

By leaning on skilled puck movers like Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik, Kruger and Team Europe have been able to move through some of the best defenders in the world. Not bad considering these guys are the oldest collective group in the tourney. It’s really been a case study in how line chemistry can make all the difference as Kruger seems to have all four of his lines clicking right now.

Still even though the Americans outshot the Europeans by a mile, goaltender Jaroslav Halak was up to the task. He stopped 35 Team USA shots and began a run that saw him stop 28 against Team Czech Republic, and 42 shots against Team Canada. He’s been the steady force that had gotten Team Europe to the semi-finals. His only stumble was letting in six goals to Team Canada, but considering that he faced 46 shots and let in 4 he still finished with a .916 save percentage. He’s looking like the best netminder in this tourney.