Sochi, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - James van Riemsdyk, Dustin Brown and David Backes tallied in a three-goal first period, as the United States put 32 years of frustration to rest and gained a spot in the semifinals thanks to a 5-2 decision over the Czech Republic on Wednesday. Zach Parise and Phil Kessel also lit the lamp for the Americans, who hadnt beaten the Czechs -- or its previous incarnation as Czechoslovakia -- in Olympic play since 1980 and will face Canada in a Friday semifinal. Ryan Suter added three assists to back a 21-save effort by Jonathan Quick. Ales Hemsky recorded both scores for the Czechs, who came up short in their quest to medal for the first time since taking bronze in Torino eight years prior. Starter Ondrej Pavelec was pulled early in the second period after yielding four goals on 12 shots. Alexander Salak finished up with 12 stops. Nicolas Batum Jersey . But Paul Osbaldiston, Hamiltons assistant special teams and kicking coach, said the team still relished the championship game workout. Glen Rice Jersey .com) - The surprising Calgary Flames host the winless New Jersey Devils at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday. http://www.hornetsteamproshop.com/Cheap-Muggsy-Bogues-Hornets-Jersey/ . 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell. Percy Miller Jersey . The Oilers will try to get back in the win column on Monday when they continue a four-game road trip with a battle against the Buffalo Sabres. Edmonton won its third straight game last Wednesday against visiting San Jose, beating the Sharks 3-0 as Scrivens stopped 59 shots to set an NHL record for saves in a regular-season shutout. Bismack Biyombo Jersey .com) - The Toronto Blue Jays will look to snap a three-game skid Friday night when they continue their road trip in the opener of a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.CALGARY – Alex Pietrangelo is doing his best not to let an unresolved contract situation distract him this week at Hockey Canadas orientation camp. "Ive just kind of been moving forward as if Im going to start the season like a regular year," the St. Louis Blues defenceman, a restricted free agent, said following a walkthrough on Monday. "Ive been working hard all summer [and Im] trying to put it behind me here for this week and trying to enjoy this process and, you know, hopefully something gets done here in the short term." Pietrangelo has spoken to Blues general manager Doug Armstrong during the camp, but the contract issue did not come up. Armstrong is part of the Team Canada management group. "Were here to worry about the Olympics and Team Canada and if it comes up it does, but were moving forwward in that process and, like I said before, were hoping it gets done," Pietrangelo said.dddddddddddd But as training camps grow closer the possibility of a hold out becomes greater. If Pietrangelo were to miss part of the season it could hurt his chances of making the Olympic team. "Im not even thinking about holding out," the 23-year-old said. "Im thinking about training camp and being there September 11th, 12th, whenever were going to start up and be ready for the first game of the season." So does that mean Pietrangelo is confident a deal will get done soon? "I think you got to be. Both sides are pretty confident something is going to get done and I think, talking to [head coach Ken Hitchcock] and Doug, thats our mindset right now: hopefully something gets done." ' ' '