TAMPERE — The United States was able to secure a quarterfinal place at the ice hockey championships in the United States on Tuesday, the last day for group play. It will get harder from there.
Due to Sweden’s earlier 1-0 win over Latvia, the U.S. knew that it would qualify. The pressure was off and the U.S. defeated the Norwegians 4-2 with two assists by Alex Galchenyuk to get back in the groove after the loss to the Czech Republic.
It will be a tough quarterfinal against Switzerland, who beat Germany 4-3 in the shootout to qualify for the final with seven wins from seven games. Germany is still unbeaten. Denis Malgin scored for Switzerland with a goal, an assist, and leads the tournament. Reto Berra, the goaltender, made 24 saves to shut out Germany during the shootout.
Canada won 7-1 against France. Pierre-Luc Dubois scored two goals and assisted with an assist, while Drake Batherson had four assists. Canada will face Sweden in the quarterfinals three months after their last meeting at the Olympic tournament. Sweden won that match 2-0.
Finland beat the Czech Republic by two goals in the opening period. Jussi Olkinuora saved 24 shots for the shutout.
In a replay of the February Olympic semifinals, Finland will face Slovakia in the quarterfinals. Germany faces the Czech Republic.
Denmark fell to Slovakia 7-1 after Canada won shockingly. Juraj, the Olympic tournament MVP at the age of 18, had scored and assisted for Slovakia to get to the quarterfinals.
Slovakia and Denmark finished group play at the same point level, but Slovakia is able to advance with a better head–to-head record.