Sweden beats Latvia 7-2, Switzerland routs Denmark 8-0 at men’s hockey world championship

PRAGUE (AP) — Sweden killed off a 5-minute major before scoring three goals in a 26-second span in the middle period to pull away from Latvia in a 7-2 win that clinched a playoff-round berth at the men’s world hockey championships on Saturday.

The Swedes, who have not trailed in the tournament, preserved their perfect record through five games to lead Group B.

Latvia pulled even at 2-2 in the second in Ostrava but failed to capitalize after Rasmus Dahlin received a 5-minute major and game misconduct for charging. The Buffalo Sabres defenseman had opened the scoring for Sweden in the first period.

Fabian Zetterlund of the San Jose Sharks then scored twice in a 17-second span. Nine seconds later, Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek netted to make it 5-2. Wild teammate Marcus Johansson had a goal and two assists.

In Prague, Switzerland sealed a playoff-round spot with a 8-0 rout of Denmark. Los Angeles Kings winger Kevin Fiala scored two goals and had an assist.

New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier opened the scoring and added two assists to leave the Danes in danger of not advancing.

The victory moved unbeaten Switzerland atop Group A with 14 points. The result also qualified Canada for the knockout phase.

Canada plays Finland later Saturday with a chance to take the top spot. Also later in Group A, the Czech Republic faces Britain, which is winless but has been competitive as it tries to avoid a last-place finish and relegation.

In Group B later, Germany faces Poland, while France takes on Slovakia.

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