Stars defense prospect Esa Lindell is headed to the semifinals at the World Championship in Russia, but Stars center Radek Faksa’s hopes of advancing and playing for a medal at the tournament were dashed by the United States.

Lindell and Finland advanced to Saturday’s semis with a 5-1 win over Denmark Thursday. Up next for the Finns is Russia, a 4-1 winner over Germany.

Minnesota forward Mikael Granlund scored two goals for Finland Thursday and Patrik Laine - one of the top players available in this year’s NHL draft - also scored for the Finns, who have won all eight of their games at the tournament.

Lindell played 17:30 in Thursday’s game, had one shot on goal and was a plus-two. He has registered three points (one goal, two assists) and a plus-six rating in eight games at the tournament. He is second on the team with 19:45 of ice time per game.

Faksa and the Czechs fell 2-1 in a shootout to the United States in Moscow. Auston Matthews, who could go first overall in this summer’s NHL draft, scored in regulation for the United States and then tallied the only goal in the shootout.

Faksa centered the fourth line for the Czechs, playing 11:51 with one shot on goal and an even rating. He won five of eleven faceoffs. Faksa had a great scoring chance late in the second period, but USA goalie Keith Kinkaid denied his breakaway bid with a poke check.

Faksa, who arrived at the tournament this past weekend, had no points and a plus-one rating in three games.

The United States will play Canada in Saturday’s other semifinal game. Canada routed Sweden, 6-0, in Thursday’s other quarterfinal matchup.

Finland 5, Denmark 1

USA 2, Czech Republic 1 (SO)

Russia 4, Germany 1

Canada 6, Sweden 0

USA vs. Canada

Finland vs. Russia



This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.