World Cup of Hockey Recap Sept 20. TEAM CANADA ELIMINATES TEAM USA, ADVANCES TO SEMIFINALS

Down 1-0 early in the first period, Team Canada scored four consecutive goals – including a pair in 14 seconds – to eliminate Team USA and clinch a spot in the semifinals of the World Cup of Hockey 2016.

Matt Duchene potted two goals, including what stood as the winner. Duchene, who collected one assist in the club’s tournament opener, has totaled 11-14—25 in his last 22 international appearances for Canada: also 4-8—12 in the 2015 World Championship (10 GP) and 5-5—10 in the 2016 World Championship (10 GP), both of which resulted in gold medals.

Carey Price made 34 saves for the victory, but saw his international shutout streak end at 228:41 dating to the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Overall, Price is a perfect 13-0-0 in his last 13 appearances for Canada dating to the 2007 World Juniors.

LUNDQVIST RETURNS, LIFTS TEAM SWEDEN INTO FIRST IN GROUP B

Henrik Lundqvist stopped all 36 shots he faced, including 13 in the final period, to lead Team Sweden past Team Finland and into first place in Group B with a perfect 2-0-0 record.

Lundqvist, who guided Sweden to the silver medal at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, returned to the team’s lineup after missing its tournament opener due to illness.

“I felt pretty rusty the first period, not as aware as I wanted to be, but I got some really good help with some loose pucks and stuff like that,” Lundqvist said. “Then in the second and third I felt more and more comfortable. But it was fun. I really enjoyed being out there playing, a big game, an important game.”

Team Sweden will clinch a spot in the semifinals – as well as first place in Group B – if it earns at least one point Wednesday against Team North America.

TUESDAY’S RESULTS
Home Team in Caps
TEAM SWEDEN 2, Team Finland 0
Team Canada 4, TEAM USA 2

SNEAK PEEK AT WEDNESDAY’S ACTION
All Times Eastern
Team North America @ Team Sweden, 3 p.m.
Team Europe @ Team Canada, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY’S CLINCHING SCENARIOS

• Team Sweden will clinch a spot in the semifinals – as well as first place in Group B – if it earns at least one point against Team North America.
• Team North America will clinch a spot in the semifinals if it defeats Team Sweden in regulation.
• Team North America will be eliminated from semifinal contention if it loses to Team Sweden by five or more goals.
• Team Finland will be eliminated from semifinal contention if Team North America earns at least one point against Team Sweden.
• The winner of the Team Europe-Team Canada game will clinch first place in Group A.

World Cup of Hockey Standings as of Sept 20, 2016.