U.S. shuts out Sweden to secure first place in Group B at world juniors

United States players celebrate a win over Sweden at the world juniors. (Jason Franson/CP)

EDMONTON — A 4-0 win over Sweden moved the United States to the top of Pool B at the world junior hockey championship in Edmonton on Thursday.

Trevor Zegras had a goal and two assists in the victory, while Drew Helleson, Ryan Johnson and Alex Turcotte also scored for the U.S.

Zegras, picked ninth overall by the Anaheim Ducks at this year’s NHL entry draft, has six goals at the tournament, and is tied with Canada’s Dylan Cozens for the lead.

Spencer Knight made 22 saves for the shutout.

Swedish netminder Hugo Alnefelt stopped 16-of-20 shots before being replaced 3:55 into the second period by Jesper Wallstedt, who had six saves.

The Americans finish the preliminary round with a 3-1 record. Sweden went 2-0-1-1 (wins, overtime wins, overtime losses, losses) in group play and finishes third in Pool B.

The result means the U.S. will face Slovakia in the quarterfinals on Saturday and the Swedes will play Finland.

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