US makes quarters at worlds with 5th win

COLOGNE, GERMANY >> The United States defeated Slovakia 6-1 Sunday to book its place in the quarterfinals at the ice hockey world championship ahead of its Group A showdown with Russia.

Johnny Gaudreau finished with two goals to take his tournament tally to six, and an assist, while Jimmy Howard made 19 saves on his fourth start for the Americans, whose confidence seems to be growing as they stretched their winning run to five games.

Still, U.S. head coach Jeff Blashill saw room for improvement before the final group game against Russia on Tuesday.

“One thing we have to clean up is puck management and turning pucks over,” Blashill said.

Kevin Hayes and Brady Skjei played their first game on joining the side following the New York Rangers’ elimination from the NHL playoffs.

Hayes, who was named player of the game, picked up two assists and Skjei had one.

Clayton Keller, the youngest player at the tournament, opened the scoring, assisted by Anders Lee and Skjei. It was the 18-year-old Keller’s fifth goal of the championship.

Gaudreau followed suit early in the second period, set up by Hayes before Martin Gernat pulled one back.

Two quick-fire goals from Christian Dvorak, assisted by Gaudreau, and Jacob Trouba put the U.S. in a comfortable position.

Gaudreau grabbed his second of the game to start the third period — Hayes again with the assist — before Lee scored on a power play.