Jordan Eberle approaches the net in the World Championship quarterfinal game between Canada and Russia Thursday, May 12, 2011. (Photo by Matthew Manor / HHOF-IIHF Images).

Related Items: Canada vs Russia Game Sheet Video Highlights Photo Gallery Visit the IIHF World Championships website IIHF Stats & Schedule Rosters: Canada | Sweden

With Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Finland already confirmed for the World Championship semifinals, Canada and Russia were left to battle it out for the final spot. 

CANADA VS RUSSIA

Despite significantly out-shooting their opponents 17-6 in the first period, Canada couldn't find a way to beat Russian goalie Konstantin Barulin.

Two penalties (an interference minor to Ilya Kovalchuk and too-many-men minor to Canada) were the only additions to the game sheet.

The second period was a tighter and more thrilling affair.

5:32 into the middle frame, Alex Pietrangelo directed a mile-long pass to Jason Spezza, who broke in on Barulin and slipped the puck five-hole to give Canada a 1-0 lead.

That's when the rough stuff started, and penalties were assessed accordingly. After Canada and Russia took consecutive slashing minors, John Tavares added a double-high-sticking minor to the list and sat out four minutes. Russia couldn't capitalize on the extended power-play, however.

Three more penalties concluded a period in which both teams registered 10 shots each.

The Russians nearly tied it up early in the third period when Ilya Nikulin directed a shot off Jonathan Bernier's cross bar, left post, and the goal line. A lengthy video review proved inconclusive, so the call on the ice stood: no goal.

But Russia soon got their equalizer. At the tail end of Yevgeni Artyukhin's interference minor, Alexei Kaigorodov snagged the puck, evaded two Canadians, embarked on a shorthanded breakaway, and cleanly beat Bernier to tie the game at one.

Three minutes later, Russia jumped out ahead when Alexander Radulov emerged from behind the net and got the puck to Kovalchuk out front, who fired past Bernier.

Canada tried desperately to salvage the game, but Barulin protected the Russian lead and backstopped his country to a 2-1 victory. With the loss, Canada was eliminated from medal contention.

The only Oiler in the game, Jordan Eberle, finished even with two shots in 10:53.
 

UP NEXT:

Magnus Paajarvi will join Sweden's battle vs the Czech Republic in Friday's semifinal game. (Photo by Jukka Rautio / HHOF-IIHF Images)

The World Championships continue with two semifinal games Friday. Magnus Paajarvi and his fellow Swedes will play the Czechs at 8:15am MT. At 12:15pm, Russia will face Finland in the other semifinal game. Both games will be broadcast on TSN.

The winners of those games will battle for gold Sunday, May 15 at 12:30pm MT. The losers will play for bronze earlier in the day at 8:00am MT. Again, those games will be broadcast on TSN.   

As always, follow the official Oilers Twitter account for updates on Oilers efforts in Slovakia, and visit edmontonoilers.com for a game recap of each Team Canada and Team Sweden game. 


SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE & RESULTS
(all times mountain)

Friday, May 13:

Russia vs Finland - 12:15pm MT 
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Sweden vs Czech Republic - 8:15am MT 
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos


QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE & RESULTS
(all times mountain)

Thursday, May 12:

Russia 2 - Canada 1 
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Finland 4 - Norway 1 
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Wednesday, May 11:

Czech Republic 4 - USA 0 
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Sweden 5 - Germany 2 
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos


QUALIFICATION ROUND SCHEDULE & RESULTS
(all times mountain)

Monday, May 9:

Canada 3 - Sweden 2
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Sunday, May 8:

Sweden 2 - Switzerland 0
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Saturday, May 7:

Canada 3 - Norway 2
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Friday, May 6:

Canada 4 - USA 3 (SO) 
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Sweden 4 - France 0
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos


ROUND ROBIN SCHEDULE & RESULTS
(all times mountain)

Wednesday, May 4:

Sweden 6 - USA 2
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Tuesday, May 3:

Canada 4 - Switzerland 3 (OT)
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Monday, May 2:

Sweden 3 - Austria 0
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Sunday, May 1:

Canada 9 - France 1
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Saturday, April 30:

Norway 5 - Sweden 4 (SO)
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos

Friday, April 29:

Canada 4 - Belarus 1
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights