Two games remain before the group stage of the Hockey World Championship is complete. Tre Kronor–Canada and Denmark–Germany both have face-offs at 20.20.
And both have a significant impact on who meets whom when the quarterfinals kick off on Thursday – and whether the quarterfinals are played within the groups or not.
Finland has picked up steam and concluded the group stage with a win over Slovakia.
Patrik Puistola, who equalized against Canada on Monday, followed up with his third goal in the tournament just 5.18 minutes in. Robert Lantosi thought he had equalized with a quick wrist shot just 37 seconds later. The Finns challenged the ruling – and got it right after a video review.
Färjestad's goalie Emil Larmi was disturbed in the goal crease and the goal was disallowed.
Waltteri Merelä's 2–0 goal was enough for the win.
Meets Czech Republic or USA
Now the Finns – who will finish second or third in the group in Stockholm – have to wait for a few hours before they get a definitive answer about what the win is worth and what it entails.
The opponent in the quarterfinal can be Canada or either Czech Republic or USA – who met in Herning in a thrilling match that USA eventually won 5–2.
Martin Necas' 2–1 goal in power play just halfway through the game put Czech Republic ahead as group winners. But Frank Nazar's two goals in the third period turned the match around to USA's advantage. Logan Cooley and Andrew Peeke (in an empty net) sealed the result.
Late tonight, Tre Kronor's quarterfinal opponent will be clear. If Sweden takes at least one point against Canada, it will be a group win and the fourth-place team in Herning awaits.
Or not.
If Denmark beats Germany and snatches fourth place, the Danes are guaranteed to play at home in Herning.
If Sweden wins the group, Tre Kronor will face Austria, fourth in the same group, and Denmark will take on Switzerland, while the other quarterfinals become Czech Republic–USA in Herning and Finland–Canada in Stockholm.
Can be Finland
If Germany wins, they will travel to Stockholm and face a quarterfinal match against Sweden – and Switzerland will meet Austria.
If Canada wins tonight's group final, Tre Kronor will instead face Czech Republic.
Or Finland if Denmark finishes fourth. Then Canada will meet Austria.
Finland will finish second in the group if Canada doesn't take points tonight and will then meet Czech Republic if Germany finishes fourth.
