Gushue faces crucial quarter-final today after loss to Sweden

LAS VEGAS — The playoff road to a second straight world curling championship is long for Canada’s Brad Gushue.

Gushue needs to win a quarter-final this morning to avoid elimination from medal contention and advance to the semifinals later in the day.

“I think when the bell rings tomorrow, and it’s do or die, we’re going to be going to come out and be tough to play against,” Gushue said.

“We’re still the best team in the world, even though we’re not at this point firing on all cylinders. But it can turn at any point.

“If it does turn tomorrow, we can win this thing. We’re not going to go as long as we have without being our best version of ourselves.”

Canada (9-3) concluded the preliminary round Friday with a quick 8-1 win over Germany’s Alexander Baumann, who conceded after six ends.

But a 6-5 loss to Sweden’s Niklas Edin earlier in the day meant Gushue would not finish among the top two teams and get a bye to the semifinals.

Sweden and Scotland’s Bruce Mouat (11-1) earned the byes. The medal games are Sunday.

The top six teams in pool play earn playoff berths instead of four under a new format this year.

Teams ranked third to sixth square off in quarterfinals, so No. 3 Canada will face No. 6 Greg Persinger of the U.S. (6-6) this morning. The winner faces Scotland.