Libor Zabranksy, Jan Jenik and Martin Has replied for Czech Republic (1-0-0-1).

Hane Hendrick made 27 saves in victory.

Lukas Dostal turned aside 21-of-25 shots in defeat.

The Czech converted just two of 10 power-play opportunities, while the Germans went 3 for 7 with the man advantage.

Germany will next face Canada in round-robin action on Monday, while the Czech Republic will face team USA later that day.

Canada crushed, Lafreniere hurt

Canada lost star winger Alexis Lafreniere to an apparent knee injury, before being shutout 6-0 by the Russians on a disastrous night for one of the tournament favourites. Lafreniere’s left knee twisted awkwardly underneath him as he fell to the ice after a collision with Russia goalie Amir Miftakhov. The 18 year old went straight to the locker room and did not return. The shutout was also the first time since Dec. 27, 1998 that Canada was held scoreless at the world juniors — snapping a streak of 134 straight games.

Next: Russia vs. United States on Sunday, Canada vs. Germany on Monday

Finland blows out Slovakia

Forward Aku Raty recorded a couple goals, while his brother Aatu Raty, Joonas Oden, and Patrik Puistola each added a goal and an assist as Finland (1-0-1-0) completed an 8-1 rout of Slovakia (1-0-0-1). Justus Annunen made 25 in what was Finland’s first win of the tournament. The defending champions dropped their opener to Sweden 3-2 in overtime.

Next: Finland vs. Kazakhstan on Sunday, Czech Republic vs. United States on Monday

Sweden stays undefeated

Samuel Fagemo had a pair of goals as Sweden (1-1-0-0) stayed unbeaten with a 5-2 victory over Switzerland (1-0-0-1), winning its 50th consecutive group stage game at the world juniors. Nils Hoglander and Lucas Raymond each contributed a goal and an assist. The victory helps avenge Switzerland’s 2-0 quarter-final upset over Sweden at last year’s event in Victoria.

Next: Sweden vs. Kazakhstan on Monday, Switzerland vs. Slovakia on Monday