The Czech Republic’s Michal Kempny, right, punches the United States’ Brady Tkachuk during their quarterfinal game at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday. (AP photo)

PRAGUE (AP) — The Czech Republic eliminated the United States at the ice hockey world championship with a 1-0 win to reach the semifinals on Thursday.

Boston Bruins forward Pavel Zacha scored a power-play goal in the second period and Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal stopped 36 shots in front of the home fans at Prague Arena.

Zacha and Bruins teammate David Pastrnak were playing in just their second game at the tournament. They joined the Czech team after Boston was eliminated from the NHL playoffs by the Florida Panthers.

Seeking an equalizer, the U.S. pulled goalie Charlie Lindgren, but the Czechs held firm and will meet Sweden in the semifinals on Saturday.

The Americans had killed off all 13 power plays they faced in the preliminary round.

The Czech Republic's Libor Hajek, left, challenges American Brady Tkachuk during the quarterfinal match at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic, on Thursday. (AP photo)

“It was a great hockey game and terrific atmosphere. Unfortunately we came up short, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort,” U.S. coach said John Hynes said.

In the other quarterfinals Thursday, Nick Paul scored two goals as defending champion Canada beat Slovakia 6-3.

Canada will play Switzerland in the final four on Saturday.

Dylan Guenther had a goal and an assist and Jared McCann, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Brandon Tanev also scored for 28-time champion Canada.

McCann and Dubois scored in a 90-second span early in the opening period, before Peter Cehlarik made it 2-1 when Brandon Hagel deflected the Slovakian’s pass into his own net.

Canada extended its lead to 5-1 with Paul’s second-period goal followed by two goals within 20 seconds in the third — Guenther first and then Tanev.

In Ostrava, Joel Eriksson Ek scored a power-play goal 5:54 into overtime for Sweden to beat Finland 2-1.

Hannes Bjorninen tied the game for Finland at 1-1 with 58 seconds left in regulation — four minutes after Rasmus Dahlin gave the Swedes a 1-0 lead.

Earlier, Switzerland eliminated Germany by edging last year’s runner-up 3-1, also in Ostrava.