Zach Parise scored a power-play goal with 8:56 remaining Thursday, boosting the United States to a 6-4 win over Germany at the World Hockey Championship.

The tougher-than-expected victory came on the first day of the second round of the tournament and all but clinched a spot in the quarterfinals for the Americans. After putting his team in front, Parise assisted on an insurance goal by Dustin Brown with 96 seconds to play.

The United States moved into second place in its six-team group behind Canada. The top four teams from the group will advance to the knockout round next week.

In other second-round action Thursday, Sweden ran over Denmark 8-1, the Czech Republic blanked Switzerland 5-0 and Canada edged Norway 2-1.

Norway reached the second round with an upset win over Germany Wednesday. Norwegian goaltender Pal Grotnes made 51 saves against Canada, but Rick Nash made an end-to-end rush and scored with 3:58 remaining to give Canada the victory. (c) UPI