Czech Republic clips U.S.

? Jaromir Jagr scored a second-period goal, and Martin Prochazka had a goal and an assist as the Czech Republic edged the United States, 5-4, Saturday at the World Hockey championships.

The game was played pressure-free because both teams had already qualified for the quarterfinals.

In the late game in Goteborg, Finland defeated Russia 1-0. The win left Finland atop the E Group standings. Russia remains in the hunt for a quarterfinal berth.

Earlier in Goteborg, Ulf Dahlen of the Washington Capitals scored twice to help Sweden rout Ukraine 7-0. Stefan Liv posted the shutout.

The unbeaten Czechs jumped to a 4-1 lead early in the second period, but the Americans rallied to tie it 4-4 heading into the third period.

Prochazka put the Czech Republic, which scored three first-period goals, back in front at 4:58 of the third.

“We played pretty good in the first period, we scored some beautiful goals,” said Jagr, also of Washington, who has four goals and three assists in the tournament.

“Then we stopped playing. They’re a pretty good team and you can’t stop playing against them. We didn’t shoot enough. They took advantage of that.”

The United States (3-2) was guaranteed a berth in the quarterfinals after Germany’s victory over Latvia on Friday.

“Since we were already qualified, there was no pressure. It was great, fun, exciting to watch,” said Calgary Flames right wing Chris Clark, who scored twice. “It was a great game and both teams played well.

“It could have gone either way, but the better team won.”