Russia, Finland win in world hockey

Halifax, Nova Scotia -- Sergei Mozyakin and Alexei Morozov scored in the first shootout of the World Hockey Championship Friday, giving Russia a 4-3 win over Belarus.

Finland edged Latvia 2-1 in the tournament's only other Friday game.

Russia moved atop Group E in the second round of the tourney and pushed Belarus to the brink of elimination. To reach the quarterfinals, Belarus needs to win its next two games and hope that either Sweden or Switzerland does not pick up another point.

Niko Kapanen scored with 9:16 remaining to give the Finns their win. They moved into second place in Group F ahead of the United States and behind Canada.

The top four teams in each of the two remaining six-team groups will make it to the quarterfinals.

The United States, virtually assured a quarterfinal spot, plays Sunday against Finland and concludes the second round by meeting Norway Monday.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.