?Cory Schneider (R) of the United States blocks the shot from Patrick Hager (C) of Germany during the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Slovakia group A game between Germany and the United States at Steel Arena on May 19, 2019 in Kosice, Slovakia. The United States won 3-1. (Xinhua/Lukasz Laskowski)
BRATISLAVA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Team USA beat Germany 3-1 in the IIHF world championships on Sunday, gaining the final quarterfinal spot from Group A at the expense of Slovakia.
The Germans were the first to score when Frederik Tiffels capitalized on a successful forecheck in the first period, but the Americans answered with three consecutive goals.
James Van Riemsdyk redirected Clayton Keller's shot through the legs of the German goaltender, Dylan Larkin put the USA in the lead in the third period, and Jake Eichel sealed the 3-1 win on a powerplay.
Team USA conclude their preliminary stage on Tuesday against rivals Canada, while Germany will face Finland. All four teams have already qualified for the quarterfinals.
