Wednesday was the best day of hockey yet out in Milan, with tight games determining who will and will not keep their hopes for a gold medal alive.

Slovakia defeats Germany 6-2

This one was not particularly close. Slovakia outshot Germany 18-5 in the opening period and it was 4-0 about halfway through the game. The Slovaks won bronze last Olympics but that was without NHL players. What they’ve done so far is nothing short of remarkable when you compare their roster with the teams remaining.

Canada defeats Czechia 4-3 in overtime

And now begins the run of incredible quarterfinal games.

Canada dominated the first game between these two teams, but this one was far closer. Lukas Dostal was terrific in net for Czechia, holding off a deep Canada team for as long as he could. Colorado Avalanche Martin Necas continued his dominance, assisting on what looked like the game-winner late in the third. Of course, luck was on Czechia’s side, as replays showed they had six skaters on the ice at the time of the goal. Canada tied the game late before Mitch Marner walked through everyone in overtime to beat Dostal over his glove.

Canada now holds its breath, as it could be without Sidney Crosby for the semifinals. Crosby left the game in the second period after an awkward fall in the neutral zone and never returned. With Crosby out, Canada’s lineup takes a bit hit.

Other Avalanche players got on the scoresheet. Nathan MacKinnon scored a power-play goal in the second period, and Devon Toews picked up an assist on the game-tying goal.

Finland defeats Switzerland 3-2 in overtime

It took Finland long enough to wake up, but it did just in time, scoring two goals late in regulation before winning in overtime. Avalanche Artturi Lehkonen, as he has a tendency to do, came through in the clutch, scoring on a breakaway in overtime to send the Finns to the semifinals.

United States defeats Sweden 2-1 in overtime

This was the tightest game of the day, as both teams traded chances fairly throughout the game. After Dylan Larkin’s second-period goal, the United States started to sit back, allowing Sweden to push. They eventually were able to pull the goalie and tie the game up late, sending the game to overtime. Quinn Hughes, who was not available during the 4 Nations Face-off, was the hero for the United States, walking into the slot and sending a shot off the post and in for the game-winner.

Avalanche Gabriel Landeskog picked up an assist on Sweden’s only goal and finished the tournament with four points.

Friday’s semifinal matchups

Canada vs. Finland: 8:40 a.m. (Peacock, USA Network)

United States vs. Slovakia: 1:10 p.m. (Peacock, NBC)