Swedes, Czechs roll to big victories at hockey worlds
Germany downed 7-2 after defeating U.S. in 1st game
Co-host Germany came crashing back to earth at the ice hockey world championship by losing to Sweden 7-2 on Saturday, the day after upsetting the United States.
The Germans were brimming with confidence from beating the Americans 2-1 and this match was well poised at 2-2 early into the second period in Cologne. But 2013 champion Sweden — which lost to Russia in overtime on Friday — stepped up a gear to move top of Group A.
Center William Nylander atoned for missing in the shootout loss to Russia with two goals and an assist; while left winger Gabriel Landeskog had a goal and two assists in a captain's performance for nine-time champion Sweden.
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic bounced back from a heavy opening loss to defending champion Canada by routing Belarus 6-1.
After losing 4-1 to Group B rival Canada on Friday, the 2010 champion Czechs were in rampant form.
Forwards Petr Vrana, Roman Cervenka and Jakub Voracek all netted while the other goals were scored by defencemen Radko Gudas, Radim Simek and Michal Kempny. It was a second straight loss for Belarus.