COLOGNE, Germany — The United States fought back from two goals down to beat Latvia 5-3 Saturday and move top of Group A with its fourth win at the ice Hockey world championship.
Dylan Larkin, with seven assists going into the game, sealed the win with an empty-net goal after Andrew Copp put the US in front for the first time with 3:22 remaining in Cologne.
Detroit Red Wings center Larkin remained the only American player to score at least a point in each of the first five games. Connor Hellebuyck made 15 saves for Jeff Blashill’s roster.
US stretched its winning run to four games, following its surprise 2-1 defeat to co-host Germany.
Markus Hannikainen scored the winner for Finland to beat Norway 3-2 in Paris, where two-time champion Canada faces Switzerland later in Group B.
Stephane Da Costa saved France in a tense 4-3 shootout win against Belarus that kept its quarterfinal hopes alive, while co-host Germany lost to Denmark in overtime 3-2 Friday.
With the top four from each group going through to Thursday’s quarterfinals, Germany was in fifth place in Group A and France at sixth in Group B.
Earlier in Group B, center Roman Horak scored twice as the Czech Republic beat Slovenia 5-1. Sweden moved up to second in Group A by crushing last-placed Italy 8-1. — AP
