Kessel scores three as USA tops Slovenia

Posted: Sun May 4 9:38 PM

Halifax, Nova Scotia (Sports Network) - Phil Kessel notched a hat trick as Team USA rolled to a 5-1 win over Slovenia in the preliminary round of the 2008 World Hockey Championships.

Patrick Kane and David Booth also lit the lamp for the Americans, who got an 11-save performance from Tim Thomas. Thomas has allowed one goal in two games thus far.

Anze Kopitar, Slovenia's lone NHL player, notched his country's lone goal. Robert Kristan stopped 32 shots in defeat.

In the earlier contest in Halifax, Dany Heatley posted a goal and three assists, as Canada steamrolled Latvia, 7-0. Columbus captain Rick Nash tallied twice, while fellow Blue Jacket teammate Pascal Leclaire stopped 30 shots to earn the shutout.

Both teams are 2-0 in the tournament and will square off on Tuesday.

Earlier in Quebec City, Alexei Morozov scored the overtime winner, as Russia topped the Czech Republic, 5-4. In other action, Denmark eased past Italy, 6-2.