Buffalo Sabers forward Alex Tosh led the United States attack with three points, one goal and two assists in the 3-0 match against Denmark on Saturday at the Nokia Arena in Tampere, Finland.
The Danes kept the Americans on their toes for much of the game as the score was still tied after the first two periods.
The United States went into the final frame when the Philadelphia Flyers prospect, Cutter Gauthier, opened the scoring for his team. Gauthier exploited a massive attack to unleash a precise wrist shot from the top of the circles to beat Denmark goalkeeper Georg Sorensen.
Uncle Sam took advantage of the pace to increase their lead after two and six minutes, thanks to Alex Toch, who fired a powerful shot without warning that beat the Scandinavian goalkeeper.
Rocco Grimaldi put the final nail in Denmark’s coffin with an empty goal.
The United States leads Group A with a 5-0-0-0 record in the preliminary round. They play their next match on Sunday against France.
The Czechs clear Norway
In Riga, tournament top scorer Dominik Kobalek continued his momentum by scoring his seventh goal of the tournament in the Czech Republic’s 2-0 victory over Norway.
The Detroit Red Wings skater now has 11 points in five games.
Jacob Fleck also moved the ropes at the meeting.
The Czech Republic faces a major challenge on Sunday, as they take on Switzerland, who remain undefeated since the start of the tournament.
Sweden takes care of France
In Tampere, Sweden’s representatives staged a flawless performance by winning 4-0 against France.
San Jose Sharks skater Fabian Zetterlund led the offensive charge of the Swedes with a double.
Swedish goalkeeper Lars Johansson stopped all 15 pucks aimed at him in the tournament’s second shutout.
Finland faces Austria
In Tampere, the final delighted supporters with a 3-1 victory over Austria.
St. Louis Blues forward Kaspiri Kapanen denounced the scoring in the second straight game.
The Finns will benefit from two days of rest before wrapping up their preliminary round against Denmark on Tuesday.
Kazakhstan brought back to Earth
And after they beat Slovakia on Friday with a 4-3 victory on penalties, Kazakhstan leapfrogged against Latvia, who won 7-0 in front of their home fans in Riga.
Former Rowen Noranda Huskies Martin Dzirkals scored two points, including a net, in the team’s victory.
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