USA back in the lead of Group A

31 Dec 2010 | Henrik Lundqvist

USA beat Germany 4-0 in the World Juniors to move back to the top of the close Group A With one day remaining USA (8 points), Finland (7) and Switzerland (6) all have the chance to win the group and qualify directly to the semi finals.

Germany were only allowed to shoot 14 shots against USA when they lost 4-0. USA moved to the top of the Group A standings while Germany ends up in the last place after only one won point in four games. Charlie Coyle, Jerry D´Amigo, Jon Merrill and Chris Kreider scored the goals. Jack Campbell made 14 saves and Andy Iles also got 9:33 in the American net but didn't have to face any shots.

"We´re growing as a team here, and the chemistry is good," said American forward Jerry D'Amigo to IIHF.com. "We´re playing good defence. I think that’s the main thing here. We didn´t concede any goals; guys are backchecking. We hang in the opponent’s zone most of the game, have lots of shots. That’s what we need to do."

Russia did what was expected and beat Norway 8-2 in Dwyer Arena. Norway managed to keep the score at 2-2 after the first period but then it was all about Russia. In the second period the Russians outshot the Norwegians 30-10 but only managed to score once. In the last period Norway couldn't resist any more and Russia added five goals to win 8-2.

"It was a rather difficult game for us as things didn´t work out in the beginning. In the third period things finally clicked," Danil Sobchenko said to IIHF.com. "We showed we are capable of scoring, but we need to be more patient."

Norway finishes last in the B Group and joins Germany and two more teams in the Relegation Round. Russia will play against Czech Republic to decide which team makes the playoffs and which goes to the relegation games.