Matthews scores shootout winner, sends U.S. to semis

Auston Matthews continues to show why he's the near-consensus No. 1 pick for June's NHL draft with an incredible performance Thursday in the quarterfinals at the World Championship.

Facing the Group A-winning Czech Republic team, the 18-year-old tied the game at one with a beautiful second-period goal, and he came up huge again in the shootout - beating goalie Dominik Furch five-hole to help the United States pick up the victory

Keith Kinkaid stopped Tomas Zohorna to clinch the win for the Americans after making 25 saves during the game. Zohorna scored the only Czech goal in regulation, ironically, on a penalty shot in the first period.

Matthews, who now leads his team with eight points in eight games, awaits the winner between Canada and Sweden for Saturday's semifinal match.