The US and Finland recorded shutout wins to clinch quarter-final berths at the ice hockey world championship yesterday, while Slovakia edged the Czech Republic 3-2 to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
Carolina Hurricanes' John Grahame turned in another superb effort in the US net, stopping 23 shots
as the Americans blanked Germany 3-0. In contrast, Fredrik Norrena needed to make only 12 saves in Finland's 3-0 win over Italy.
The Finnish victory meant Switzerland, who beat Denmark 4-1, also secured a final eight spot. Sweden, Russia, Finland and Switzerland have locked up the quarter-final places in group E. Only Canada and the US are guaranteed to move on in a competitive Group F.
