The United States stunning victory over Canada Sunday night had major implications. The United States not only secured the No. 1 seed but they also avoid Russia, Sweeden and Canada in their bracket.
Play in games include 5. Czech Republic vs 12. Latvia, 6. Canada 11. Germany, 7. Slovakia vs. 10. Norway, and 8. Switzerland vs 9. Belarus.
1. United States, 2. Sweden, 3. Russia, 4. Finland have all earned byes
The Americans who earned a bye into the quarterfinals will play either 8. Switzerland or 9. Belarus in the quarterfinals and their road to the Gold medal game will likely go through No. 5 Czech Republic or No. 4 Finland in the Semi-Finals.
Meanwhile, Canada’s road to claiming a gold medal will be a difficult one. The Canadians will play No. 11 Germany in Tuesday’s play in game, which barring a stunning loss, will set the stage for a showdown between No. 6 Canada and No 3. Russia who have earned a bye into the quarterfinals.
The Canadians will not only have to deal with Russia much earlier than many would have thought but No. 2 Sweden will likely be in their way, if Canada gets by Russia as Sweden appears primed for another gold medal run.
