Panarin, Kruger into semifinals at World Championship

With a goal in Russia's 3-0 win against the Czech Republic today, Artemi Panarin extended his points lead among players at the IIHF World Championship and helped push Russia into the semifinals, which will take place on Saturday.
Panarin's Russia squad will face Canada, who defeated Germany 2-1 today in Cologne. The matchup will be a chance for Panarin to face off with Nathan MacKinnon, one of his top challengers in the scoring race.

Panarin and Russia will be joined in the semifinals by Marcus Kruger and Sweden, who were victorious against Switzerland today in Paris. Kruger played 12:33 in the 3-1 Sweden victory.
Sweden will face their rivals Finland in Saturday's other semifinal after the Finns shut out the United States 2-0 today in Cologne. The loss marked the end of the tournament for Nick Schmaltz and Trevor van Riemsdyk. Schmaltz finished the tournament with three assists, while van Riemsdyk appeared in all 8 games the United States played in Cologne.
The loss by the Czech Republic to Russia also brought an end to Michal Kempny's World Championship campaign. Kempny tallied a pair of goals and added an assist during the Czech Republic's run.