In their first stage, Canada met the United States (USA) and Finland met the Czech Republic.
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Canada – USA 4:0 (1:0, 1:0, 2:0)
Last year’s champion and Olympic champion USA team was dethroned by their main rivals.
Although the first period was quiet for a long time, in the 19th minute Macklin Celebrini scored a precise shot (1:0).
The second period did not start explosively. However, in the 10th minute, Dylan Holloway broke through the USA defense (2:0).
At the end of the third period, the USA capitulated. Canada scored in the 18th minute by Connor Brown (3:0), and 30 seconds later Sidney Crosby increased the lead (4:0).
In the next stage, Canada will face Finland.
Finland – Czech Republic 4:1 (2:0, 1:1, 1:0)
The Finns took control of the match early on. In the 7th minute, Sakari Manninen scored a precise shot (1:0), and in the 14th minute Anton Lundell scored accurately (2:0).
Finland did not slow down in the second period. In the very first minute, Konsta Helleius scored (3:0). However, the Czechs did not give up – in the 11th minute Filip Hronek reduced the difference, but Finland still led confidently (3:1).
The final point was scored by Lenni Hameenaho. He scored in the middle of the third period (4:1).
In the next stage, Finland will face Canada.