US reaches quarterfinals at worlds despite loss to Slovakia

May 17, 2016

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ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) The United States advanced to the quarterfinals of the hockey world championship on Tuesday despite a 3-2 overtime loss to Slovakia.

Slovakia would have qualified instead of the Americans with a win in regulation, but the U.S. earned a point for forcing overtime, enough to secure fourth place in Group B.

Slovakia took the lead on a first-period wrist shot from Christian Jaros, but New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson tied it up off a pass from David Warsofsky.

Nick Foligno gave the U.S. a 2-1 lead early in the third but Pavol Skalicky turned Tomas Marcinko's shot into the net to make it 2-2. Slovakia pulled goaltender Julius Hudacek in an attempt to win the game in regulation and take the Americans' quarterfinal place, but the U.S. held on.

Marko Dano scored the game-winning goal for Slovakia as both teams finished the preliminary round with 3-4 records. Canada, Finland and Germany also advanced from Group B.

The Canadians and Finns are the only unbeaten teams left in the tournament and will play later Tuesday in a game which will decide first place in the group.

The United States will face Group A winner Czech Republic in the quarterfinals. The Czechs beat Switzerland 5-4, knocking the Swiss out.

Switzerland fought back from 3-1 down early in the third, needing a win in regulation to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Also advancing from Group A are Russia, Sweden and Denmark.

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