Needing a win to stand any chance of progressing from Group B, the North American team, made up of players who are under the age of 23, snatched the vital goal in the extra period thanks to Canadian Nathan MacKinnon.

MacKinnon’s winner means their fate is now in the hands of Finland as a victory for the Scandinavian nation in their clash with Russia tomorrow will guarantee them a place in the last four.

If Russia emerge triumphant, however, it will be curtains for the valiant effort of the North Americans by virtue of their head-to-head records.

Russia beat North America 4-3 earlier on at the tournament, the first edition of the World Cup of Hockey for 12 years.

"We entertained, and we'd like a chance to continue that," North America coach Todd McLellan said.

"But it's out of our control."

Sweden secured top spot in the group, despite the defeat, and will take on Team Europe in the semi-finals.

Auston Matthews and Vincent Trocheck gave North America a two-goal lead in the first period before Sweden’s Filip Forsberg halved the deficit.

Johnny Gaudreau shortly reinstalled their comfortable cushion with a third for the North Americans but Sweden managed to haul themselves back into the contest when Nicklas Backstrom cut their arrears to one.

Patrik Berglund then ensured the match would go into overtime as he found an equaliser in the third period.

In the other match to take place today, Canada overcame Team Europe 4-1 to win Group A and maintain their 100 per cent start to the tournament.

The host nation, the Olympic champions who came into the event as the overwhelming favourites, have rarely looked troubled throughout the competition and they produced another controlled display on their way to their third straight win.

Jonathan Toews was the star performer for the Canadians as he scored twice, with captain Sidney Crosby and Logan Couture also finding the net.

Slovakia’s Marian Hossa was the lone goalscorer for the European team, who followed Canada into the semi-finals.