Easy shutout for U.S. goalie Howard

Brock Nelson scored twice as the United States cruised to its third win of the hockey world championship with a 3-0 defeat of Italy on Wednesday. Jimmy Howard, who made 39 saves in the 4-3 win over Sweden on Monday, had a quieter game against the Italians, earning the shutout with nine saves. The U.S. had 32 shots. Meanwhile, goals from Reto Schappi, Andres Ambuhl and Cody Almond gave Switzerland a 3-0 win over Belarus in Paris. Canada, the two-time defending champion, will play co-host France on Thursday.