Canada blanks USA to reach hockey world championship semifinals

Canada secured a spot in the Ice Hockey World Championship semifinals with a decisive 4-0 victory over the defending champions, the United States. The win sets up a semifinal clash for the Canadian team.

The quarterfinal match saw early tension when USA's Ryan Lindgren received a game misconduct for a hit on Canada's Evan Bouchard. Despite a five-minute power play, Canada couldn't capitalize immediately. However, Macklin Celebrini broke the deadlock late in the first period, scoring during another man advantage.

Canada extended their lead in the second period and sealed the victory in the third. With the U.S. pulling their goalie in a desperate attempt to score, Connor Brown found the empty net, followed by a goal from Sidney Crosby less than a minute later. Goaltender Jet Greaves made crucial saves throughout the game to maintain the shutout.

Meanwhile, Finland also advanced to the final four, defeating the Czech Republic 4-1. The remaining semifinalists will be determined later as Norway faces Latvia, and host nation Switzerland plays Sweden.