Kopitar: We know we can play with Canada
Anze Kopitar was encouraged by his team's performance against Canada in Game 1 of the World Cup final.
Following the 3-1 loss, the Team Europe captain stated his belief that his team had just played its best game of the tournament, keeping up with Canada while falling prey to untimely miscues.
Kopitar describes first two Canada goals as "freebies". Says they clean up a couple of lapses and they should be fine Thursday.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 28, 2016
"There were times where we were dictating the pace so we know we can play with them," Kopitar told reporters.
Indeed, Europe recorded 33 shots to Canada's 38, and the winning goal was scored off a turnover in the neutral zone.
Unfortunately for Kopitar and Co., the Canadians came out on top despite not bringing their best effort. Europe at least made things interesting, but will need to do even more to push the final to three games.