PRAGUE - Brock Nelson scored twice and added an assist Sunday as the United States clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the ice hockey world championship with a 3-1 victory over Slovenia.
The Czech Republic and defending champion Russia also advanced to the knockout stage, while already-qualified Canada maintained a perfect record by trashing Switzerland 7-2 to clinch first place in its group.
The Czechs beat Germany 4-2 while Russia needed overtime to overcome Slovakia 3-2.
Nelson has six goals at the tournament and tops the scoring chart together with Sweden's Filip Forsberg.
The United States is atop Group B with 15 points from six games, one ahead of Russia while Finland is in third with 12.