Kane’s two goals boost U.S. into semifnals
The Associated Press
HERNING, Denmark — Captain Patrick Kane scored two goals to lift the United States to a 3-2 win against the Czech Republic in the quarterfinals of the world championship Thursday while Canada beat Russia, 5-4, in overtime.
Switzerland pulled off a surprise by eliminating Finland, 3-2, and defending champion Sweden edged Latvia, 3-2.
Kane claimed the thirdperiod winner to take the outright lead in the tournament scoring race with a U.S.-record 19 points (eight goals, 11 assists) and set up a semifinal Saturday against Sweden.
“It’s my job to produce,” Kane said. “It’s always nice to contribute offensively.”
The U.S. is looking for its first medal since picking up bronze in 2015.
“We came here to put ourselves in a position to try to win the gold,” Kane said. “We’re on the right path.”
The U.S. took control with a couple of goals in the span of 1:43 midway through the first period in Herning. Kane beat goaltender Pavel Francouz from the right circle before Nick Bonino fed Cam Atkinson in front of the net to stretch the lead with a backhand shot.
The Czechs hit back in the second period. Michal Repik reduced the advantage on a slap shot and Martin Necas netted the tying goal on a power play.
“It’s a pity,” Czech forward Tomas Plekanec said. “We created enough chances to win.”
In Copenhagen, Ryan O’Reilly scored 4:57 into overtime to knock out Russia while captain Connor McDavid had three assists, including one on Canada’s winning goal. Hunting its third title in the past four years, Canada will face Switzerland in the semis.
“Canada [is] a great team, they always are,” defenseman Roman Josi said after his Switzerland team beat Finland for the first time since 1972.
Finland looked to be heading for victory after Markus Nutivaara’s first-period goal, but Switzerland rallied with goals from Enzo Corvi, Joel Vermin and Gregory Hofmann in less than four minutes midway through the second.
Sweden, which won all seven preliminary-round games, beat Latvia with goals from Filip Forsberg, Viktor Arvidsson and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Penguins farmhand Teddy Blugers and Rudolfs Balcers scored for Latvia.