As the quarter-finals come to a close, host nation Canada's hopes of defending their title were narrowly kept alive by the tournament's top scorer Connor Bedard.

The 17-year-scored in the sixth minute of overtime against Slovakia to clinch a 4-3 victory for the defending champions at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax.

"That's what he does," Canada's captain Shane Wright said of Bedard's display.

"That was quite the performance.

"He stepped up when we needed him to.

"Unbelievable player.

"He had so much poise and confidence making that play.

"By that point the ice wasn't very good, but to makes those moves and finish on the backhand is incredible."

The goal ensured Bedard claimed three Canadian records.

He surpassed Eric Lindros to claim the most career World Junior points with 32, beat Jordan Eberle to score the most career World Junior goals on 15, and he set the new benchmark for most points in one tournament.

The 19-time winners Canada are set to face a tough challenge tomorrow against five-time champions the US, who thrashed Germany 11-1 in the quarter-finals.

The result meant that the Germans finished eighth overall as they also suffered heavy defeats at the hands of Canada, 11-2, and the Czech Republic, 8-1, earlier in the competition.

The Czech Republic, who went into the knockout rounds as top seed, are scheduled to face Sweden after a routine 9-1 win against Switzerland.

Sweden snuck past neighbours and rivals Finland 3-2 at the Avenir Centre in Moncton.

Victor Stjernborg scored with just over a minute remaining in the third period to complete the Swedes' comeback.

Both semi-finals are due to be played n Halifax before the medal matches conclude the tournament on Thursday (January 5), also at the Scotiabank Centre.