U.S. rolls in World quarterfinal tuneup

PRAGUE, Czech Republic, May 4 (UPI) -- The United States tuned up for the quarterfinals of the World Hockey Championships on Tuesday with an 8-3 rout of Denmark.

Matt Cullen of the Florida Panthers collected two goals and an assist and 13 other players registered at least one point for the U.S., which faces the unbeaten Czech Republic on Wednesday as it seeks its first medal at this tournament since 1996.

The teams combined for seven goals in a frenetic first period, but U.S. Coach Peter Laviolette replaced goaltender Ty Conklin with Alex Westlund and the Americans responded with another four-goal period.

Kim Staal opened the scoring just 28 seconds into the game and Denmark had a 3-2 lead before Cullen and Buffalo Sabres Captain Chris Drury scored in the final five minutes of the first period.

Switzerland locked up the final spot in the quarterfinals with a 1-0 blanking of Germany.