STOCKHOLM – Since 2006, Denmark and Norway have met three times at the World Championships with the Danes still searching for a win. On each occasion, there was something on the line – either progressing into the Qualifying or Playoff Round, or facing relegation. Tonight’s feature matchup finds both teams vying for placement in the standings of the Stockholm Group. While its early in the tournament, this is a game that both teams will want to win. May 9, 2006 After taking a 2-1 after the first period, Denmark surrendered four straight goals on their way to a 6-3 loss. Tore Vikingstad scored a goal and notched three assists in the game. The win sent Norway to the Qualifying Round and the Danes into the Relegation Round. That year Patrick Thoresen made his World Championship debut for Norway with two goals in five games. April 29, 2009 Three years later, Norway once again defeated Denmark in Preliminary Round play. Trailing 4-3, Denmark leveled the score at 6:22 of the third period when Daniel Nielsen scored. The game went into overtime where captain Tommy Jakobsen scored 1:06 into the extra session. The win once again sent Norway into the Qualifying Round and Denmark to the Relegation Round. Vikingstad scored his lone goal of the tournament in this game in what would be his last World Championship tour with Norway. May 15, 2012 Another three years would pass with the same result: Norway won, but this time the game was a rout. Norway’s offence was clicking while Denmark struggled throughout the tournament to score. After a scoreless first period, Norway beat up on Denmark in the second period. Five goals in the period paced the attack and put the game out of reach. Norway got goals from six different players in the rout. Patrick Thoresen scored but also assisted on three others. May 5, 2013 Tonight Denmark and Norway won’t have to wait three years to play again. These Preliminary Round games are critical because points are important. With Norway already having three points thanks to their opening game 3-1 win over Slovenia, the pressure is on Denmark to break their losing streak against their rivals and move in the standings. JOHN SANFUL