Canada survived its first knockout-round test at worlds.
With a 4-0 shutout victory over rival United States on Thursday, Canada advanced to the semifinals at the 2026 world championship, advancing past the quarterfinals for the first time since winning gold in 2023.
The United States were the gold-medal winners in 2025.
Macklin Celebrini and Dylan Holloway beat U.S. goalie Devin Cooley, with Connor Brown and Sidney Crosby adding empty-net goals in the third, while netminder Jet Greaves stifled the high-powered United States by stopping all shots he faced.
Canada, which remains undefeated at the tournament, is the second team to book its semifinal ticket. Finland earned a spot in the final four earlier Thursday with a 4-1 win over Czechia.
Canadian defenceman Evan Bouchard left the game against the U.S. after taking a hit to the head.
Bouchard was injured on a high check from U.S. defenceman Ryan Lindgren at 6:12 of the opening period. Hockey Canada said during the second period that Bouchard would not return to the game.