TAMPERE (Finland) — Drake Batherson scored on an overtime power play to give Canada a 4-3 victory over Sweden in the world hockey quarterfinals.
Another quarterfinal matchup saw Ben Meyers score twice, Adam Gaudette add a goal, and Jeremy Swayman make 33 saves to help the United States defeat Switzerland 3-0.
Canada will be facing the Czech Republic in Saturday’s semi-finals, while the United States will play Finland.
On Thursday, the Czech Republic defeated Germany 4-1 while Finland defeated Slovakia 4-2.
Canada, the defending champions overcame a 3-1 deficit in the third quarter. Ryan Graves scored at 1:21 in the period, Pierre-Luc Dubois was able to connect with Matt Barzal 30 seconds later.
Batherson shot a short-angle goal behind Linus Ullmark, after William Nylander was tripped 25 seconds into overtime.
Batherson stated that although we were down 3-0 heading into the third period, it was not what we had planned. However, the team was able to score the goal early in the final period. “I was frustrated that a penalty was taken against me, and to be fair, I thought it would be difficult for us to come back. But, we never gave in.”
Sweden’s Nylander, Carl Klingbergr, and Max Friberg were among the scorers.
Canada’s Chris Driedger saved 16 shots. For Sweden, Ullmark saved 38 shots.
To help Finland defeat Slovakia, Marko Anttila scored two goals. In the Czech Republic’s victory against Germany, Jiri Smejkal, David Krejci and David Pastrnak all scored.