Group B: Canada Lead, Slovakia and Czechia Within Striking Distance

Group B has tightened into a five-team fight for four quarterfinal spots, with Canada leading but no team yet locked in or out.

At the top

Canada lead Group B with 14 points after five games. The Canadians needed overtime to beat Norway 6-5 on Thursday but are unbeaten in regulation with a tournament-best 25 goals scored. Sidney Crosby's veterans have looked vulnerable defensively at times but keep finding ways to win.

Slovakia sit second on 11 points after a 5-1 win over Denmark. The Slovaks have lost just once in regulation and have outscored opponents 16-7. They face Czechia on Saturday in a four-pointer that could reshape the top of the group.

Czechia are third on 10 points despite playing one fewer game. The Czechs lost their only blemish in overtime and have not been beaten in regulation. David Pastrnak continues to lead the scoring race.

The chase

Sweden have surged into fourth on 9 points after a 3-0 shutout of Italy on Thursday. Tre Kronor's three straight wins after a rough start have them firmly back in contention and within striking distance of a top-three seed.

Norway hold the final quarterfinal spot on 7 points but have played four games and lost their last in overtime to Canada. The Norwegians still control their own destiny but need points from a brutal closing schedule against Sweden and Denmark.

At the bottom

Slovenia and Denmark are tied on 3 points but trending in opposite directions. Denmark snapped their pointless run with a 4-0 win over Slovenia on Friday, while the Slovenes have now lost their last four. Italy remain winless with a -18 differential after five games.

Looking ahead

Saturday brings the Slovakia-Czechia heavyweight at 16:20 and Norway-Sweden at 20:20, two games that could decide the entire top half of the group. Canada have a brief breather before their finale against Czechia on May 26.