The Detroit Red Wings-loaded U.S. has secured a place in the World Championship quarterfinals.
Jimmy Howard made 19 saves as USA routed Slovakia, 6-1, for a fifth straight victory at the tournament. USA's last preliminary round game is Tuesday against Russia, the only team that has yet to be defeated at the tournament. USA, coached by Jeff Blashill, moved into first place in Group A standings with the victory, with 15 points after six games, but Russia is just one point behind and has only played five games.
Sunday's game in Cologne, Germany, marked the first time Wings forward Dylan Larkin was held without a point. He played 18:34, the most among forwards on the team. Larkin is the second-leading scorer for USA, with eight points.
Wings defenseman Danny DeKeyser played 16:23.
After four starts, Howard has a 1.51 goals-against average and .938 save percentage. Howard is coming off a career season with the Wings with a 2.10 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in 26 games (he missed two-plus months mid-season because of a knee injury).
The Czech Republic also won Sunday, 4-2 over France, in Group B action in Paris. Petr Mrazek did not get the start, but in three games he has a 2.28 goals-against average and .888 save percentage. The Czechs wrap up third preliminary round play Tuesday against Switzerland, which has the distinction of being the only team to beat Canada at the tournament.
The top four teams in each group advance to the quarterfinals, which are scheduled for Thursday.
