Slovakia Defeats United States at Hockey World Championships Martin Rose/Getty Images Slovakia players after their team's third goal in a 4-1 group victory over the United States at the hockey world championships. The United States will face Russia in the quarterfinals. Slovakia defeated the United States, 4-1, in a final group game at the hockey world championships in Helsinki, Finland. The United States, which had a chance to win the group, will meet Russia in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Alex Ovechkin will join Russia's team after the Washington Capitals were eliminated from the N.H.L. playoffs by the Rangers on Monday. ¶ The Dallas Stars fired Coach Glen Gulutzan after not making the playoffs in his two seasons in charge.