Belarus, Canada, Sweden and Switzerland have qualified from Group A, with Russia, the United States, Finland and the Czech Republic through from Group B.

Germany and Latvia have been eliminated and cannot reach the playoffs.

Matvei Michkov scored four as Russia thrashed Germany 6-1 to move top of Group B.

Michkov netted a hat-trick in the second period to guide his side to a comfortable win and confirm Germany's early exit from the tournament.

"The most important thing is that we got the win, and every game after this can be tougher, so we have to be ready," said Michkov.

Russia are level on points with the United States, who needed a shootout to get past the Czech Republic 2-1 in their latest group match.

In Group A, Sweden are second after they beat Switzerland 3-1 with goals from Liam Dower Nilsson, Isak Rosen and Arvid Sundin.

Belarus eased to a 6-2 win over Latvia to guarantee their place in the quarter-finals.

"I don't think this was our best game, but we played well in the first period and scored first," said assistant captain Vladislav Shilo. 

"But in the second we didn't play as well. In the third, we were able to increase our lead, and in the end it's a good result."

The tournament is due to continue tomorrow.