Defending world champions Russia set up a revenge match against Olympic champions Canada on Tuesday after they thrashed Finland 5-0 to top qualifying Group E.
Atlanta Thrashers forward Maxim Afinogenov picked up a goal and an assist, while goalie Semyon Varlamov recorded a shutout to set up a meeting with Canada in the last eight — a replay of the quarter-final at the Olympics which the Canadians won 7-3 on their way to the gold.
The Finns started the match in lively style, pinning their rivals back and peppering Varlamov with shots, but Finland failed to find the net in the opening period, missing all of their chances including a two-man powerplay.
In the early Group E match, the hosts Germany secured their place in the knockout stages, beating the 2002 champions Slovakia 2-1.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic, who needed a point in their Group F match with Canada to clinch a play-off place, battled back from a goal down to clinch a 3-2 win.
In the late Group F match, Sweden blanked 5-0 Switzerland to finish top of the table.
In today’s other quarter-finals, Finland will play the Czech Republic and Germany take on Switzerland, while Sweden face Denmark in the Scandinavian derby.
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