Canada, USA Heading to Semis at Worlds

Team Canada and Team USA both advanced to the IIHF World Hockey Championship semis after scoring a pair of close, quarterfinal wins on Thursday.
Canada needed overtime, but skated to a 5-4 win over Russia, while the Americans topped the Czech Republic 3-2. Both will play in the semifinals on Saturday, with Team USA facing Sweden at 9:15 a.m. (et) while Canada takes on Switzerland at 1:15 p.m. (et).

Of the six Islanders playing on Canada and the U.S., only Jordan Eberle recorded a point on Thursday, assisting on Colton Parayko's first-period goal for Canada.

Canada never trailed against the Russians, but couldn't seal the deal until Ryan O'Reilly's OT winner, which came on the power play at 4:57 of the extra frame. Connor McDavid had a team-high three assists. Islanders forward Anthony Beauvillier did not play in Thursday's quarterfinal.
With the win, Canada will play Switzerland in semifinal action on Saturday. Puck drop is at 1:15 p.m. et. Switzerland beat Finland 3-2 on Thursday.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRACKER

As for Team USA, Patrick Kane scored a pair of goals, while Cam Atkinson also found the back of the net in the quarterfinal win over the Czechs. The Americans jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period, but found themselves in a 2-2 tie after 40 minutes. They ultimately held off the Czech rally as Kane scored the game-winner in the third period.

Anders Lee was held off the scoresheet in the win, but was visited by Fenov Pierre-Louis who flew out to Denmark to cheer on the Islanders forward.
Team USA will play Sweden at 9:15 a.m. et on Saturday morning, with the winner heading to Sunday's gold medal game. Sweden beat Latvia 3-2 in Thursday's quarterfinal.