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LA Kings: Vilardi, Canada Tops Russia in OT; Will Face USA in Worlds Semis

By Ryan Cowley

Canada's players celebrate a goal in the overtime of the IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championships quarter final match between Russia and Canada, at the Olympic Sports Center in Riga, Latvia, on June 3, 2021. (Photo by Gints IVUSKANS / AFP) (Photo by GINTS IVUSKANS/AFP via Getty Images)
Canada's players celebrate a goal in the overtime of the IIHF Men's Ice Hockey World Championships quarter final match between Russia and Canada, at the Olympic Sports Center in Riga, Latvia, on June 3, 2021. (Photo by Gints IVUSKANS / AFP) (Photo by GINTS IVUSKANS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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The LA Kings contingent remains strong at the World Championship. Canada Tops Russia to Face USA in Semis; Finland Faces Germany in Other Semi-Final.

After an underwhelming 0-3 start to the tournament, Team Canada looked as if their time in Latvia for the 2021 World Championship would be brief. However, the Canadians reeled off three straight wins, and thanks to some outside help, they were able to squeak into the medal round. So, eight of the nine LA Kings contingent at this tournament made it into the medal round — and now, each of those eight will be appearing in the semi-final, as well.

After Team USA and Germany won their respective quarter-final matchups on Thursday, Team Canada took to the ice against Russia as did Finland against the Czech Republic.

For Canada, resilience has been a theme at this tournament. In addition to coming back from their aforementioned 0-3 start, Team Canada was down 1-0 to Russia in the third when captain Adam Henrique tied the game. Then, in overtime, Canadian defenseman Troy Stecher made a great individual effort in front of the Russia net, setting up Andrew Mangiapane for the game-winner to send Canada into the final four, winning 2-1.

Related Story. LA Kings: Petersen, USA Rout Slovakia, Advance to Worlds Semis. light

Of course, with the win, Canada will now face the United States and will hope for a much better outing than their 5-1 loss to the Americans early in the preliminary round. Of the eight Kings players remaining in this tournament, though, seven of them will take part in this game.

Team Canada and Team USA will face off on Saturday morning at 7 am ET (4 am PT).

As for the other semi-final, it will be Germany taking on Finland, featuring Kings defenseman Olli Maatta.

Finland edged the Czech Republic by a 1-0 score while Germany came back to down Switzerland earlier in the day, winning 3-2 in the shootout.

It promises to be an exciting finish in Latvia as all four countries will look to book a spot in Sunday’s gold-medal game.

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