Zuccarello likens Team Europe to 'Miracle on Ice' squad

Does Mats Zuccarello believe in miracles? Yes.

The Norwegian forward made a comparison Monday that might resonate with hockey fans south of the 49th parallel after Team Europe remained undefeated with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Czech Republic at the World Cup of Hockey.

"The U.S. won the 1980 Olympics didn't they," Zuccarello told reporters, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen. "Miracles can happen."

Europe, which entered the tournament with 33-to-1 odds to win, improved to 2-0-0 in the group stage following a 3-0 win over the United States in its opening game Saturday.

The 1980 United States hockey team comprised of college and amateur players won the Olympic gold medal thanks in large part to an upset victory over the Soviet Union, which became known as the 'Miracle on Ice.'