The 1/4 final day at the 2018 IIHF World Championships in Denmark is now over - here are the teams that qualified for the semi-finals.
Canada 5:4 Russia (OT)
Canada made sure they would clinch a spot in the semis by beating Russia in a long but exciting game. Although 1st period was very one-sided and not much entertaining Maple Leaf team jumped in front by a goal from Colton Parayko. In the 2nd period, they extended their lead by another goal that was scored by Ryan Nugent Hopkins but Russia struck back keeping the game close, 2-1. Canada earned a penalty which they killed but straight after Russia tied the game. Early into the 3rd Turris regained the lead but a couple more were exchanged by both sides leading to OT where Ryan O'Reilly ended Russia's hopes and sending his team to semifinals.
Finland 2-3 Switzerland
Shocker of the day came in game 2 of the day in Herning. First Finland went up 1-0 in the 1st period which made sense for many. The shocker of the game was in the 2nd period where Swiss side scored three goals in a row to earn a 3-1 lead from goals by Corvi, Vermin, and Hofmann. As hard as Finland fought back it wasn't enough even after Rantanen scored to make it 3-2 putting Fins down by a goal. Swiss won it and went to the semis.
Semifinal - Canada - Switzerland.
USA 3-2 Czech Republic
Not many games get a close as the one between Czech and USA team. Two quick goals in the 1st after a penalty kill for Americans from Patrick Kane and Cam Atkinson sent their team up by two goals after the 1st period. Czech's weren't ready to give up as Repik got one back and later Martin Necas tied it up in the 2nd frame after a great set-up by David Pastrnak. Patrick Kane turned out to be the hero of the game scoring his 2nd of the game and assuring the victory for the United States of America, 3-2 over Czechia.
Sweden 3-2 Latvia
Scoreless 1st period led to a nervous 2nd frame where Swedes too the charge, first up Filip Forsberg beating Elvis Merzlikins with a wicked shot that juggled past the Latvian goalie. Just minutes later Latvia appeared to have scored but it went just over the net, an attack later Teddy Bleuger rushes down the ice and makes a shot that flew into the Swedish net making the game tied at a single goal each. 3rd period and early on Viktor Arvidsson with a great re-direct mid-air regained the lead for Tre Konor. Oliver Ekman Larsson got another goal for his team although it shouldn't have counted as Merzlikins noted after the game ''It was into my glow, but opponent dug it out''. Unfortunately, Balcers goal with a little over 10 minutes left in the game wasn't enough for Latvia - 3:2 the final score and Sweden is off to the semis.
Semi-final - Sweden - Switzerland
IIHF World Hockey championships will resume on Saturday.
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