Team USA forward John Gaudreau, left, scores a goal past Slovakia goalie Patrik Romancik, right, looks on during second period IIHF World Junior Championships hockey action in Ufa, Russia on Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
December 31, 2012 - 6:20 AM
UFA, Russia - The United States advanced to the quarterfinals of the world junior hockey championships Monday with a 9-3 rout of Slovakia.
The Americans' prospects of reaching the knockout round had looked uncertain after a loss to Canada a day earlier, but they dominated the Slovaks almost from the start.
Cole Bardreau opened the scoring in the fourth minute, but Slovakia's Matus Matis tied it 14 seconds later. The Americans gradually built an insurmountable lead, helped by two goals apiece from Vince Trocheck and John Gaudreau.
In Group A, the Czech Republic beat Switzerland 4-3 in overtime. Tomas Hertl scored the winner on a pass from Dmitrij Jaskin. Group leader Sweden plays Finland later Monday in a game that will determine if Switzerland makes the quarterfinals.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012