Shutout Puts Canada in Semifinals

Jarome Iginla had two goals and an assist to lead Canada into the World Cup of Hockey semifinals with a 5-0 victory over Slovakia on Wednesday night.

Vincent Lecavalier, Ryan Smyth and Joe Sakic also scored for Canada, which will play the Czech Republic in Toronto on Saturday night in one semifinal.

The United States plays Finland on Friday night in St. Paul, Minn., in the other.

Canada has dominated the tournament, going 4-0 while outscoring its opponents, 15-3.

Martin Brodeur, one of the best goaltenders in the world, was barely tested, finishing with 23 saves in his first shutout of the tournament.

Slovakia couldn’t contain Canada’s top line of Iginla, Sakic and captain Mario Lemieux, which was on the ice for three goals.

Lecavalier scored the first of four second-period goals at 2 minutes 28 seconds.

Iginla scored just under three minutes later with a quick shot from the side of the net. Lemieux, who was in front of the net, was initially credited with the goal.

Slovakia was 0-4 and was outscored, 18-4, in the tournament.