With weaklings like Germany and Latvia dispatched, the 2013 World Junior Hockey Championship gets down to business.
The single-game playoff round allows little room for error.
It's win or go home, and the drama is sure to reach a fever pitch.
With the tournament being played in Ufa, Russia (about 900 miles east of Moscow), it's an early call for North Americans hoping to catch a game live on TV.
Wednesday's quarterfinals feature the United States against the Czech Republic at 4:00 AM Eastern, followed by Russia and Switzerland at 8:00 AM Eastern.
The winners join Sweden and Canada in the semifinals.
Even if the NHL finally ends its foolish lockout, this might be the best hockey you'll see this year.
Photo: Filip Forsberg and the Swedes seek their second straight World Junior Title (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images).
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