CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Dominika Laskova scored twice and the Czech Republic beat Germany 2-0 on Wednesday night in the women's world hockey championship to win Group B and avoid having to face the United States or Canada in the quarterfinals.
All five teams in Group A — with the five-time defending champion United States (3-0) and Canada (3-0) set to play for the pool title Thursday night — and the top three in Group B will advance to the quarterfinals.
Klara Peslarova made 12 saves to help the Czech Republic finish 4-0 in group play.
Laskova tied teammate Alena Mills for the tournament goal lead with four. Laskova opened the scoring at 4:28 of the second period and struck again at 9:09 of the third.
Franziska Albl stopped 27 shots for Germany (2-1).
Germany will finish group play Thursday night against Japan (2-1). The winner will face the U.S.-Canada loser, and the loser will play the U.S.-Canada winner.
In Group A, Petra Nieminen scored twice in Finland's 4-0 victory over Russia. Susanna Tapani and Jenniina Nylund also scored and and Anni Keisala made 13 saves.
On Thursday, Finland (1-2) will face Switzerland (0-3) for third place in the group. Russia completed the preliminary round 1-3.
In the late game, Hungary beat Denmark 5-1 to finish fourth in Group B in its first appearance in the event.
Alexandra Gowie and Fanni Gasparics each scored twice for Hungary (1-3). Kinga Jokai-Szilagyi also scored and Aniko Nemeth made 10 saves.
Josefine Jakobsen scored for Denmark (0-4).
Canadian captain Marie-Philip Poulin will sit out the showdown against the United States after blocking a shot with her chest Tuesday against Switzerland.
The United States has outscored opponents 12-0, beating Switzerland and Finland 3-0 and routing Russia 6-0 on Tuesday night.
