Canada's path to the men's world hockey championship would include a semifinal game against Sweden, which topped Slovakia on Wednesday.
Sweden beat the Slovaks 7-4 in quarter-final action at Khodynka, Russia. A pair of one-time Anaheim Ducks led the way offensively — Tony Martensson netted a hat trick, while Jonathan Hedstrom scored twice.
Russia's Andrei Markov celebrates his goal against the Czech Republic in Wednesday's quarter-final.
(Sergey Ponomarev/Associated Press)
NHLers Marian Hossa and Branko Radivojevic were among Slovakia's scorers.
Canada, unbeaten in its six games, must first beat Switzerland on Thursday to reach the semis against the Swedes.
Earlier Wednesday, Russia eliminated the Czech Republic with a shutout victory.
Pittsburgh Penguin Evgeni Malkin had two goals and an assist in the 4-0 win.
Malkin is a leading candidate to take the Calder Trophy for top NHL rookie that will be handed out on June 14.
Alexander Radulov, who had a strong rookie season with the Nashville Predators, also scored for the Russians, as did veteran Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov.
Penalties mark game
Markov's goal early in the first was the only score until Malkin found the mark just 23 seconds into the third.
After the Russians increased their lead, the game descended into a penalty-filled affair.
Alexander Eremenko made 27 saves to earn his second shutout of the tournament for the Russians, with Roman Cechmanek facing 32 shots in the Czech net.
Russia, which has not lost in seven games, will face the winner of Thursday's Finland-United States game in the other semifinal.
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