American prospect Auston Matthews made another point in his favour as to why he should be the No. 1 pick at the NHL Entry Draft this summer. 

The United States upset Czech Republic 2-1 in a shootout to advance to the semifinals of the IIHF World Hockey Championship on Thursday and Matthews was in the centre of it all.

The 18-year-old scored the tying goal in the second period on nice play where he got past the Czech defender with a burst of speed and slid the puck backhand though goaltender Dominik Furch's legs. It was his fourth goal of the tournament, although it did appear he was offside on the play. 

Matthews also had the one and only goal in the shootout, scoring shortside to send the Americans to the semis.

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Matthews, who many believe will be drafted first overall by Toronto Maple Leafs, was on the ice for 20:26 minutes of action and had six shots on net. He was also a plus-1. 

Finnish star Patrik Laine also had a great day as he netted his seventh goal, which is tied for the tournament lead with Sweden's Gustav Nyquist, in his team's 5-1 victory over Team Denmark. The 18-year-old wired the puck top corner from the slot to give Finland a 3-1 lead in the second frame.  

Laine had six shots on net in 17:42 of playing time and was a plus-1. He is expected to go second overall in this year's draft.