Men: Russians get bye, with a Kovalchuk parting shot

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA— Ilya Kovalchuk scored two back-breaking goals as the Russians outplayed, outhit and outclassed the U.S. in a convincing 4-0 shutout as each team wrapped up pool play.

The U.S. now must play in the qualification round Tuesday. The Russians finished first in Group B and earned a bye into the quarterfinals.

U.S. goaltender Ryan Zapolski allowed four goals on 26 shots, including Kovalchuk’s goals less than 33 seconds apart at the end of the second period and start of the third.

“After the last game in Sochi, I think you guys are still showing the highlights of Oshie scoring those shootouts, right?” Kovalchuk said, referring to the U.S.-Russia game four years ago. “So hopefully you’re going to change that now.” Slovenia 3, Slovakia 2 (SO): Gasper Kroselj stopped four of the five shots he faced in a shootout and Ziga Jeglic’s slap shot was the difference as Slovenia beat Slovakia.