It was semifinal day at the IIHF Men’s World Championship with USA versus Finland and Canada taking on Czechia. For coverage of Thursday’s quarterfinals, click here.
FINLAND 4, USA 3
USA: Luke Hughes, Jon Gillies (DND)
It was a back and forth battle between the U.S. and Finland in the first semifinal game of the day; however, the host country’s four goals secured them the win and a spot in the gold medal game. The teams traded goals in the first period; however, a two-goal second period helped Finland take a 3-2 lead through 40 minutes. Finland added a fourth goal early in the third period to make it 4-2, a lead which held until the final three minutes of the game. Adam Gaudette’s goal with 2:51 left in the game cut the game to one but the U.S. was unable to find the equalizer.
Devils prospect Luke Hughes played 22:28 in the loss and recorded two shots on goal. Devils goaltender Jon Gillies did not dress for the semifinal game.
Next: The U.S. will face Czechia in the bronze medal game on Sunday starting at 8:20 a.m. ET.
CANADA 6, CZECHIA 1
Canada: Dawson Mercer, Damon Severson, Ryan Graves
Czechia may have started the scoring; however, after David Krejci’s opening goal, it was all Canada. Dylan Cozens had a pair of goals to pace his team, with Adam Lowry, Kent Johnson, Matt Barzal, and Cole Sillinger all adding one.
Devils rookie Dawson Mercer picked up an assist in the semifinal game, his fifth of the tournament. In the win, Mercer played 11:43 and had two shots on goal.
Devils defenseman Damon Severson played 17:51 and was +2 in the game. Fellow Devils blueliner Ryan Graves had four shots on goal and was +1. Graves played 18:43 in the semifinal matchup. With Saturday’s victory, all three Devils players on Canada will win a medal at Men’s Worlds.
Next: Canada takes on host nation Finland in the gold medal game on Sunday. The game starts at 1:20 p.m. ET.