U.S. Will Go to Medal Round Despite Losing, 6-2, to Sweden

Sweden spotted the United States an early lead before scoring five second-period goals on Mighty Duck goaltender Guy Hebert to secure a 6-2 victory at the World Hockey Championships. The U.S. team (3-1) still is assured a medal-round berth, however.

In other games Saturday, Norway tied the Czech Republic, 2-2, and Finland, with a goal from the Kings’ Jari Kurri, eliminated France, 8-1. Russia beat Germany, 6-0, as Canada routed Britain, 8-2. Four teams in each group enter the medal round, which begins Wednesday in Milan.

Defenseman Bob Beers’ power-play goal in the first period put the U.S. team up, 1-0, and Edmonton teammate Shjon Podein scored in the third for the Americans, who face Finland on Monday. The U.S. team bolstered its lineup with Chicago defenseman Chris Chelios.