The defending champion United States’ probabilities of making the men’s hockey world championships quarterfinals obtained harder after a loss to Latvia.
The Americans have fallen to sixth place and not management their destiny of their bid to complete within the high 4 in Group A and clinch a spot within the quarterfinals.
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But an Austria loss to Germany gave the USA two potential paths to advance. The standings heading into Sunday’s video games are Austria (third, 9 factors), Germany (fourth, seven factors), Latvia (fifth, six factors) and United States (sixth, 5 factors).
The USA does not play till Monday when it faces Hungary earlier than it wraps up the preliminary spherical on Tuesday in opposition to Austria. But Latvia and Austria are in motion on Sunday. Here is how these video games have an effect on the Americans’ probabilities:
Latvia vs. Great Britain
Game begins at 10:20 a.m. ET. Even if Latvia wins − and it ought to in opposition to last-place Great Britain − the United States would stay alive. It can be 4 factors again however might acquire one other six factors in its remaining two video games. Likewise, a Latvia loss would not clinch something. The USA would nonetheless path by one level with two video games left. The Latvians additionally face Hungary on Tuesday and in the event that they choose up 5 factors of their two video games, the United States cannot catch them. Latvia holds the tiebreaker as a result of it beat the Americans.
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Austria vs. Finland
Game begins at 2:20 p.m. ET. If Austria wins in regulation, gaining three factors, the United States cannot catch it. Any different end result would make Tuesday’s Austria-USA sport significant, assuming the Americans first beat Hungary on Monday.
What about Germany?
Germany faces Great Britain on Monday and may end with a most of 10 factors, making it potential for the USA to catch it. The Americans maintain the tiebreaker, having defeated the Germans.
USA’s finest situation to clinch
Austria loses to Finland, and the USA beats Hungary and Austria.
Check again later for outcomes
This article initially appeared on USA TODAY: USA men’s hockey’s chances to make world championships quarterfinals