Knight, Keller lead U.S. in win over Canada in Women's World Hockey Championship

HERNING — The U.S. won its latest battle in its women's hockey tug of war with Canada.

Megan Keller had a goal and an assist and Hilary Knight moved closer to the all-time points record at the world championship in a 5-2 win over the defending champions to cap the preliminary round on Tuesday.

Trailing 2-0 after the opening period, the U.S. scored five unanswered goals with Lacey Eden producing the winner at 3:14 of the third period.

The U.S. went unbeaten in four games to top Pool A, which featured the top five seeds in the tournament.

The Americans take on Hungary, the No. 3 seed in Pool B, in a quarterfinal matchup Thursday. Canada, with three wins and a loss, meets Pool B runner-up Sweden.

In Thursday's other quarterfinals, Finland takes on Czechia, which went undefeated to top Pool B, while Switzerland and Japan square off as the fourth and fifth seeds in Pool A.

Saturday's semifinals are followed by Sunday's medal games.

Captain Kendall Coyne Schofield scored an insurance goal for the U.S.

Knight's empty-netter was her 85th career world championship point and one back of the record held by Canada's Hayley Wickenheiser. Knight already holds the all-time goals record with 50.

Kelly Pannek also scored for the U.S., which ended a five-game losing streak to its archrival. Nicole Hensley stopped 26 shots for the win

Sarah Fillier and Ella Shelton scored for defending champion Canada with starter Emerance Maschmeyer stopping 28 shots in the loss.

Savannah Harmon threaded a cross-ice pass under a Canadian stick to Eden, who wired the puck top shelf for the go-ahead goal in the third.

The Canadians couldn't produce an equalizer on a subsequent power play with Coyne Schofield serving a boarding minor.

Coyne Schofield