In Paris, two-time defending champions Canada crushed Belarus 6-0 in Group B for a maximum nine points from three matches to extend their winning run at worlds to ten games.

Tampa Bay Lightning's Brayden Point started and finished the scoring for Canada, with Colorado Avalanche's Dave MacKinnon scoring twice to lead the tournament goals with five.

In the same Group B, the Czech Republic fought back from 0-3 down to win a penalty shootout 4-3 over Finland. It was a second blow for Finland a day after their first ever defeat to France.

In Cologne, Russia beat tournament co-hosts Germany 6-3 to top Group A with eight points. Vadim Shipachyov had two goals and Artemi Panarin added four assists as Russia picked up a third win.

However, former champions Sweden suffered their second defeat in three matches, falling 4-3 to the United States in a Group A clash in Cologne.

The Scandinavians, champions in 2013, are also among the tournament favourites despite missing the podium in the last two editions.

The United States came from behind three times to snatch victory.

Sweden also lost their opener to Russia but can still qualify for the quarter-finals.