Canada advances to World Hockey semi-finals after wild comeback

A « remontada » with Canadian sauce. In the quarter-finals of the World Hockey League, Canada came close to taking the door Thursday night against Sweden (4-3, ap). Led 3-0 after 40 minutes of play, Claude Julien’s players were heading for an early elimination. William Nylander, disappointing and released with the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL play-offs, scored Sweden’s second goal.

But Canada launched the revolt in the final period. Ryan Graves reduced the score before Sweden paid dearly for a penalty kill, 12 minutes from time. In 30 seconds, Pierre-Luc Dubois, then Matt Barzal put the Canadians back on track.

And after another temporary suspension, from Nylander, 43 seconds were enough for the North Americans to conclude the game in overtime thanks to Drake Batherson.

In the semi-finals, they will face the Czech Republic, who easily won against Germany. In the other part of the table, the surprise came from the United States. The Americans dominated Switzerland (3-0), so far undefeated in this World Cup. Placed in the group of France, the Helvetians had won their first seven games, including those against the Blues (5-2) and Canada (6-3). Finland completes the last four after their victory over Slovakia (4-2).