PRAGUE — Tyler Seguin notched a hat trick as Canada cruised past Belarus 9-0, while Evgeni Malkin scored twice to lift titleholder Russia over Sweden 5-3 in the quarterfinals of the ice hockey world championship Thursday. In Ostrava, Ben Smith and Charlie Coyle scored 57 seconds apart as the United States rallied for a 3-1 victory over Switzerland, and lined up Russia in the semifinals Saturday. Russia lost to the US 4-2 in the group stage, and forward Viktor Tikhonov said they were looking forward to the rematch, with Alexander Ovechkin expected after his NHL playoffs ended. “It's what we wanted, because every time you lose to someone you always want to prove that you can come back and beat them,” Tikhonov said. Canada finally ended a sequence of losing in the quarterfinals at five consecutive worlds, but will have to go through the host next after the Czech Republic eliminated last year's runner-up, Finland, 5-3. The Czechs downplayed their chances of a first world title since 2010. “We're under huge pressure,” Jagr said. “The fans consider us better than Canada. They're excellent players. It could be they'll never have such a great team at the worlds again. If they play their best, we have little chance. We can't give them a bit of ice without fighting.” With his three, Seguin joined Sweden's Filip Forsberg at the top of the worlds' scoring chart with eight goals. “We won by the margin because we kept playing our game,” Seguin said. “We're looking forward to the semifinal match.” Ryan O'Reilly and Brent Burns scored two goals apiece and added an assist, and Tyler Ennis and Jason Spezza had a goal each, as Canada hunts its 25th title. It last won in 2007, and has been waiting for a medal since winning silver in 2009. The Sidney Crosby-led Canadians have eight wins from eight games, and 58 goals, the most they have scored since 1962. “It's nice to put ourselves in a position to get to the finals,” Crosby said. “The important thing is to get better every game, and at this point you've got to be at your best. It's win or go home, so we did a good job today.” Goaltender Mike Smith stopped 24 shots for his first shutout at the tournament. “It was just a bonus,” Smith said. “The way they play in front of me is the most important.” — AP
