Michael Frolik, Czechs advance to semis at World Championship

The medal round began on Thursday at the 2019 World Hockey Championship in Slovakia. The Calgary Flames began the day with five potential medalists, but that was pared down to just one by the end of the quarterfinals.

In a game that the USA never led, they trailed 2-0, 3-1 and 4-2 and dropped a 4-3 quarterfinal contest to Russia. Derek Ryan missed the game with an unspecified injury. Johnny Gaudreau had an assist, a penalty, four shots and was plus-one, while Noah Hanifin had a goal, one shot and was plus-one.

The Americans are done at the tournament. They finish seventh.

The Swedes got out to a 3-1 lead against Finland but blew that lead. They allowed the Finns to tie things up with 1:29 left in regulation, then lost in overtime. Elias Lindholm had two shots and was plus-one.

The Swedes are also done at the tournament. They finish fifth.

The USA and Sweden had dramatic quarterfinal games. The Czechs had a much less stressful time, beating Germany by a 5-1 score to advance to the semi-final round. For once in this tournament, Michael Frolik was held off the scoresheet – he had a shot and was plus-one.

The Czechs will play Canada on Saturday, with the winner facing either Russia or Finland on Sunday for the gold medal.