The World Cup of Hockey semifinal field will be set before Team USA takes the ice against the Czech Republic. Unfortunately, the schedule will not be “flexed” to allow Finland vs. Russia to be the night game. So a meaningless game between two already eliminated teams will be the nighttime showcase.
It’s a win or go home game for Russia. A win will see them clinch second place in Group B and a semifinal matchup against Canada with a win over Finland in any fashion. A loss to Finland puts Team North America into the semifinals, also against Canada. Finland was eliminated from semifinal contention with Team North America’s 4-3 overtime win over Team Sweden on Wednesday.
The other semifinal is already set: Team Europe vs. Team Sweden.
The Chicago Blackhawks will be represented on all four teams. Artem Anisimov and Artemi Panarin (Russia) face off against Ville Pokka (Finland), while Patrick Kane looks for his first goal of the tournament against Michal Kempny and the Czech Republic.
World Cup coverage for Thursday
Team Finland vs. Team Russia
Time: 2 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN
Team Czech Republic vs. Team USA
Time: 7 p.m. CT
TV: ESPN2