Europes' Draisaitl, Nielsen: Canada the best team we'll ever play
Team Europe will be in tough Wednesday against Canada, and they know it.
Related: Battle for the top: 3 things you need to know about Canada vs. Europe
Like Canada, the club won their first two round-robin games and have punched their ticket to the playoff round. But with one game remaining against the host nation, the Europeans understand just what they're up against.
Forwards Frans Nielsen and Leon Draisaitl spoke to the media Wednesday and both asserted Canada will be the best team either will ever play against, according to Sportsnet's Shawn McKenzie.
Captain Anze Kopitar echoed the claim, insisting he learned something about the Canadians after watching their 4-2 win on Tuesday over the United States:
Anze Kopitar was asked if he learned anything from watching Canada play last night. "Yeah, they're really good"
— Shawn McKenzie (@ShawnMcKenzieSN) September 21, 2016
After being somewhat of an afterthought heading into round robin play, Europe is quickly turning heads - thanks in large part to their 3-0 shutout win over the U.S. - which head coach Ralph Krueger appreciates.
"You can feel a growing respect that this isn't a fluke," said Krueger.
The winner Wednesday will claim top spot in Group A and face off against the second-place finisher in Group B.