U.S. tops Italy in shootout, 3-2

COLOGNE, Germany (AP) -- The United States avoided relegation from the top division at the ice hockey world championship when it beat Italy 3-2 in a shootout on Tuesday.

The U.S. swept its demotion group, winning all three games. France also staved off relegation by beating Kazakhstan 5-3 for second place. Third-place Italy and last-place Kazakhstan will play in the second division next year.

Giulio Scandella and Stefano Margoni scored for Italy, while Brandon Dubinsky gave the U.S. the early then set up Ryan Potulny's power-play goal with 8:52 remaining to force overtime, in which neither team scored.

In the penalty shootout, TJ Oshie scored on three of five attempts while U.S. goalie Scott Clemmensen made three stops against Italy.

"We had a responsibility to the team which will be here next year to give them a chance for a medal," Potulny said.

Later Tuesday, the final two spots in the quarterfinals will be decided when undefeated Russia faces Finland, host Germany takes on Slovakia, Canada tussles with the Czech Republic, and Switzerland takes on Sweden.