The U.S. will win its group if it beats Slovakia in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET, live on NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra.
The Americans, with one Olympian on their roster (defenseman Justin Faulk), are 5-1 after six of seven group games, including wins over defending World champion Russia and Olympic bronze medalist Finland.
If the U.S. beats Slovakia, it will face Switzerland in Thursday’s quarterfinals and not have to play the other group winner, two-time reigning Olympic champion Canada, until a potential final. If it loses to Slovakia, it will face host Czech Republic in the quarters.