2016 World Cup of Hockey Day 5 Game Thread: Swedes vs. Kids; Europe vs. Canada for seeding

They might not be the marquee match-ups many would have predicted before the tournament started, but today’s games at the World Cup of Hockey are of vital importance as the semifinals quickly approach.

• Team North America vs. Team Sweden, 3 p.m., ESPN, SN, TVA Sports
• Team Europe vs. Team Canada, 8 p.m., ESPN2, SN, TVA Sports

Team Sweden can clinch a berth in the semifinals with just a single point against Team North America. A regulation win would guarantee a No. 1 seed in Group B. The Young Guns are tied with Russia in points and need to not get blown the hell out to keep the goal differential tiebreaker from going against them. John Gibson gets the start in goal for Team North America in place of Matt Murray, while Henrik Lundqvist goes back-to-back for Sweden (seriously? Uh, okay...)

Speaking of back-to-backs, after their emotional domination of Team USA last night, Team Canada is right back at it. They and Team Europe already know they’re going to the semifinals, but with four points each, the winner will get the top seed in Group A and clinch a match-up with the second seed in Group B this weekend. Looks like Corey Crawford will start for Canada with Jaroslav Halak starting this third straight game for Europe.

Pro Tip for Team Europe: Watch out for stuff like this today.

And remember: Don’t Get Hurt.