Plekanec joins Czech Republic for semifinal

Center Tomas Plekanec joined the Czech Republic for its semifinal game against Canada at the IIHF World Championship in Prague, the Montreal Canadiens said Friday.

The winner of the Czech Republic-Canada game Saturday will play the winner of the other semifinal between Russia and the United States in the gold-medal game Sunday.

Plekanec had one goal and four points in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Canadiens, who were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. He had 24 goals and 60 points in 82 games in the regular season.

This will be Plekanec's eighth appearance for the Czech Republic in the World Championship. He has 14 goals and 36 points in 47 games.