When the World Cup of Hockey began over a week ago, Team Europe was an afterthought, already written off.

Pre-tournament games against Team North America suggested that perhaps the European experiment wouldn't work. That notion was only further cemented after a four-period span in which Europe was outscored 9-1 by the kids.

"That was a real turning point for us," defenseman Roman Josi said after Europe beat Sweden 3-2 in overtime to advance to the World Cup final against Canada. "That's when I think we started coming together."

Once the puck dropped for the first round-robin game, Team Europe took on a whole new identity, and changed people's perceptions in the process.

The Outsiders

To understand this underdog story, look no further than Europe head coach Ralph Krueger.

In June 2013, he was dismissed as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers - over Skype - after one lockout-shortened season. After a brief stint as an advisor for Canada at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Krueger left hockey and is now chairman of the Premier League's Southampton Football Club. It was a career change in sport that is rarely done successfully, especially at the highest level.

Europe's captain, Anze Kopitar, is a perennial All-Star from Slovenia. He's had to carry his nation's hopes at every World Hockey Championship, with Slovenia regularly alternating between staying in the top 16 in order to play in the main tournament, and relegation.

Training camp was in Quebec City, far from Europe, and the team chose to have no national anthem or musical score played before its games, even though a medley was provided by the tournament. Meanwhile, every other team heard its anthem before puck drop, with North America getting both the U.S. and Canadian anthems.

Team Europe: Outsiders by all accounts.

"A lot of the presidents are down there from the eight countries we're representing, but I think we're representing all the rest, which is about 12 to 13 countries in Europe that cannot play in the top six, and I think that the pride in that group right now is large," Krueger said.

A Force, Together

Most of the countries where the members of Team Europe come from wouldn't stand much of a chance at placing on the podium at the Olympics or even a World Championship. In fact, none of the eight nations Team Europe represents has ever been to the final of a best-on-best tournament. United in their difficulties to achieve international supremacy, the Europeans are now in uncharted territory - they're through to the World Cup final with heavily favored Canada.

"Obviously, a big opportunity," said forward Tomas Tatar, who scored twice against Sweden, including the overtime winner. "The story continues. We know and respect Canada and how good they are, but we will be together and we will battle together for a win."

Europe kicked off the World Cup last week by blanking the Americans 3-0. In an instant, the perception of the European team - and the U.S. team - changed. Krueger's squad punched its ticket to the semifinals with a win over the Czechs two days later. The club's latest and most impressive achievement is an overtime win over hockey powerhouse Sweden to keep the run going.

"I think nobody would guess we could be in the final," Marian Hossa said. "It was 33-to-1 odds against us. So it just feels good to be where we're at. I think everybody here is really happy."

Justified

A best-on-best international tournament with two select teams was a concept many weren't sure would work. But with North America dazzling every game and Europe in the final, it's the best possible outcome for the organizers who dreamed it up. A Europe-Canada final sheds the World Cup of the gimmick label and helps to grow the game internationally.

"There were half the people who were into it and half the people who weren't," Hossa said. "I think now more people have started getting into it and realizing there are a few guys playing for each of those countries in the final against the best team there is in Canada. Lots of people are going to watch now."

With the final a best-of-three format, Team Europe will play at least two more times, on the biggest international stage, its players taking part in what will likely be the most important international games of their careers.

"I came in here saying that we hoped that a few young children back in those countries get inspired by what we do and become great NHL players in 10 years or 12 years," Krueger said. "And if that happens when I'm old and retired, I hope that it was a part of this tournament that did that."

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Emotions ran high at an Ottawa Senators scrimmage Sunday, and Bobby Ryan is standing by his actions.

After roster hopeful Patrick Sieloff delivered a highly questionable hit on Clarke MacArthur that resulted in another concussion for the winger, Bobby Ryan immediately came to MacArthur's defense by dropping the gloves.

Watch: Bobby Ryan goes after Senators prospect for hit on MacArthur

After a local reporter said Ryan did the right thing, a fan retorted, causing Ryan to jump into the conversation and say his peace.

There's no word on whether MacArthur will be able to return to training camp or even suit up in the regular season, while Sieloff's tenure with the club is likely over as quick as it started.

Ryan, however, surely earned some points in the locker room for his reaction, even if not every fan gets it.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jaroslav Halak wasn't supposed to be between Europe's pipes at the World Cup of Hockey.

In a way, the international tournament was going to be Frederik Andersen's formal introduction to Toronto after the hometown Maple Leafs acquired the goalie in a trade with Anaheim earlier in the summer.

Plans change, though, and Halak was pressed into duty for the makeshift European squad after Andersen was injured in an Olympic qualifying match days before the World Cup was set to begin.

As he's been prone to do in stretches over the course of his career, Halak's played at the highest of performance levels since the beginning of the group stage - leading to, as fate would have it, a best-of-three final against Canada following a semifinal win over Sweden in which he stopped 37-of-39 shots against.

The goalie at the other end of the ice in the final? None other than former Montreal Canadiens teammate Carey Price, the goalie on whom the most storied franchise in hockey banked their future, despite Halak's play during Montreal's borderline miracle run to the Eastern Conference finals in 2010.

The matchup likely won't be lost on the goalies, says Canadian general manager Doug Armstrong, who was happy to trade for Halak as general manager of the St. Louis Blues back in 2010.

It's fitting, seeing as Halak and Price have posted the most impressive numbers of all the World Cup starters.

Halak's role in Europe's success at the tournament can't be overstated, head coach Ralph Krueger told reporters after the win over Sweden.

"(Halak) has been just an absolute leader in the room. Everybody wants to play for him," Krueger said. "From day one he grabbed the ball. We had an open competition to start out with, and when Andersen fell away, Jaro just smoothly stepped in and grabbed the ball, and he hasn't dropped it or let anybody else take it.

"I think his personality, his experience also from the past with Slovakia and in the National Hockey League, has helped us. He's been outstanding. He's been absolutely fantastic. Everybody in this room knows we wouldn't be here without fabulous goaltending, and a world-class performance by Jaro Halak has helped us a lot."

Canada against Europe isn't the final many expected, but the Halak versus Price angle is a compelling storyline, to say the least.

Halak wasn't able to take Montreal all the way in 2010, ultimately losing to Philadelphia, and wasn't deemed worthy enough to keep over Price - rightfully so, in retrospect.

Canada's current prime minister didn't think so at the time, however.

The opportunity is now before Halak to get a last laugh, of sorts, and if Europe has any chance of beating Canada, he'll have to be as good as he's ever been.

We can't help but wonder who Trudeau will be backing this time around.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Gordie Howe is home.

The hockey legend's ashes were laid to rest at the base of a statue erected in his honor outside the SaskTel Centre - home of the WHL's Blades - on Sunday.

It was Howe's dying wish to have his ashes, along with wife Colleen's, in his hometown.

The ceremony was attended by the entire Howe family.

Sunday was dubbed 'Thank You Mr. Hockey Day' and also included a visit to Howe's childhood home and school, followed by a a special pregame ceremony at the Blades' home opener.

Howe passed away on June 10 at age 88.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

What should one do with the jersey of a player who's been traded?

Have it signed by the player he was traded for, of course.

That's what a Nashville Predators fan appears to have done Sunday, as P.K. Subban was seen signing an old Shea Weber jersey.

A true collector's item.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tomas Tatar's overtime winner gave Team Europe a 3-2 victory over Sweden in their World Cup semifinal Sunday, vaulting Europe into the best-of-three final series against Canada.

Tatar's second goal of the game, which deflected in off his skate, was briefly reviewed but ultimately upheld. The winner came 3:43 into the extra frame.

Sweden's Erik Karlsson tied it late in regulation.

Tatar gave Europe a 2-1 lead when he scored his first goal of the contest 12 seconds into the third period.​

Nicklas Backstrom opened the scoring after pouncing on a rebound less than three minutes into the game, but Marian Gaborik made it 1-1 when he deflected Christian Ehrhoff's shot late in the second stanza.

Sweden outshot Europe 39-31, including 17-8 in the third. Europe's Jaroslav Halak made 37 saves, while Henrik Lundqvist allowed three goals on 31 shots.

The final series between Canada and Europe begins Tuesday. Game 2 will be played on Thursday, and a winner-take-all Game 3 would take place Saturday if necessary.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The tragic death of Jose Fernandez has many reflecting on his remarkable life and career.

Related: 5 times Jose Fernandez made everyone love baseball

The late Miami Marlins ace left an indelible mark on his sport, and for one night last winter, his youthful exuberance and curiosity led him to another one.

Fernandez performed the ceremonial faceoff prior to a Florida Panthers game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the BB&T Center in February.

(Courtesy: NHL.com)

Fernandez and teammate Mike Dunn joined the local broadcast crew at the intermission. The young pitcher talked about what it was like attending his first NHL game and poked fun at himself for originally calling the puck a "ball."

Fernandez's sense of humor, playful disposition and humility were all on display that night.

The Cuban right-hander died early Sunday morning in a boating accident at the age of 24. The Panthers expressed their condolences to the Marlins and Fernandez's family.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

This isn't the best way to endear yourself to potential teammates.

Patrick Sieloff, a 22-year-old defenseman hoping to crack the Ottawa Senators, caught veteran Clarke MacArthur with a dangerous hit Sunday at training camp, and Bobby Ryan immediately came to MacArthur's defense.

Ryan clearly wasn't pleased with the blindside check at the time.

MacArthur was later diagnosed with a concussion, a troubling prognosis considering he missed virtually all of last season with concussion-related symptoms.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Clarke MacArthur is dealing with another head injury, and this one occurred in a controversial manner.

The Ottawa Senators forward was diagnosed with a concussion Sunday after being drilled by defenseman Patrick Sieloff in training camp.

Sieloff hit MacArthur from the blind side along the boards, and Bobby Ryan was quick to go after the 22-year-old blue-liner.

Ryan clearly wasn't pleased with the hit at the time.

MacArthur appeared in only four games last season due largely to concussion issues.

Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.