Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nick Schmaltz and Team USA look to advance to the medal round for the first time in three years when they meet Czech Republic in the 2016 World Junior Championship on Saturday at Helsinki Ice Hall.
The United States have fell in the quarterfinals the past two years to Russia. This decade, the U.S. have reached the podium three times, including gold in 2010 and 2013.
The U.S. have the Czechs number, outscoring them a combined 12-1 in their previous two meetings. The Americans have been solid in goal so far in the tournament with Alex Nedeljkovic and backup Brandon Halverson allowing just five goals in four preliminary round games.