Canada caps group stage with a 2-0 shutout of Finland at women's worlds

Canada completed the preliminary round at the women's ice hockey world championship with a perfect record after blanking Finland 2-0 on Wednesday.

Goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens finished with 25 saves for the shutout, the third straight for Canada in Group B.

Caitlin Kraemer scored the go-ahead goal in the opening period after she skated from her defensive zone along the boards before beating Finland goalie Sanni Ahola.

Canada downs Finland and claims Group B at IIHF women's worlds

Sarah Fillier added the second in the final period.

Canada will face the fourth-place team from Group A — Switzerland or the Czech Republic — in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Finland captain Jenni Hiirikoski, who is playing at a record 17th worlds, became the first woman to play 100 games at the tournament.

In Group A in Esbjerg, Germany rallied to beat Switzerland 3-1 after Laura Kluge and Katarina Jobst-Smith scored 55 seconds apart in the middle period to give the Germans the lead.

Alessia Baechler had given Switzerland the lead in the opening period.

Emily Nix scored the third for Germans, who moved to second in the group with eight points.

18 Canadians collect at least 1 point in 10-0 rout of host Denmark at women's hockey worlds

The United States is already sure of finishing top of the group and plays the Czechs later Wednesday. Sweden faces Japan in the final preliminary game in Group B.

The U.S. will face Denmark or Japan in the playoffs.