COLOGNE, Germany — The United States came back three times to hand Russia its first defeat 5-3 and top Group A with its sixth straight win at the ice hockey world championship on Tuesday.
Kevin Hayes scored two goals in his second game at the tournament, and Anders Lee earned the match-winner as the U.S. outshot Russia by 35 to 19.
“A great win. We grew as a team today,” forward Johnny Gaudreau said.
They head to the quarterfinals on Thursday, when the U.S. will play Finland, and Russia will meet the Czech Republic.
Finland, playing two-time defending champion Canada later Tuesday in Paris, was sure of finishing fourth in Group B, already topped by Canada, which will play co-host Germany or Latvia in the quarterfinals.