MINSK, Belarus (AP) — Forward Viktor Tikhonov scored two first-period goals and added an assist to lead Russia to a 4-1 win over Latvia on Saturday and a spot in the quarterfinals of the ice hockey world championship.
Also, France prevailed in a penalty shootout to edge Norway 5-4.
Tikhonov tied it at 1-1 with a wrist shot and then scored on a power play to make it 3-1 with his sixth goal of the tournament.
Russia won its fifth straight game to lead Group B with 15 points. Latvia is second with nine points.
Stephane Da Costa scored the winning penalty in the shootout to lift France over Norway.
France and Norway are tied for third in Group A.
