Halifax, Nova Scotia (Best E Casino) - Zach Parise's third-period power-play goal proved to be the game-winner, as Team USA held on to defeat Germany, 6-4, in a Group F Qualifying Round game at the 2008 World Hockey Championship.

Parise finished with two goals and an assist, while Patrick Kane and Paul Martin each collected two assists in the win. Craig Anderson allowed four goals on nine shots before he lifted in favor of Robert Esche, who made six saves the rest of the way.

Christopher Schmidt posted a goal and an assist for Germany. Dimitri Patzold stopped 36-of-41 shots in defeat.

Team USA plays Finland on Sunday and the Germans meet Canada on Saturday.

In Quebec City, Milan Hnilicka made 12 saves, as the Czech Republic blanked previously-unbeaten Switzerland 5-0 in a Group E Qualifying Round game. Martin Erat, Tomas Kaberle and Patrik Elias each registered a goal and an assist in the victory.

Martin Gerber surrendered all five goals on 33 shots for the Swiss.

The Czech Republic plays Belarus on Saturday, while Switzerland battles Denmark on Sunday.

The first game of the day in Quebec's capital saw Sweden avenge its surprise loss to Switzerland on Wednesday by dominating Denmark in an 8-1 victory.

Tony Martensson tallied twice and Mattias Weinhandl had a goal and three assists. Henrik Lundqvist, playing in his first tournament game, stopped 17- of-18 shots to earn the win.

Kasper Degn tallied Denmark's lone goal.

Sweden plays Russia on Saturday, while the Danes face Switzerland on Sunday.

Earlier in Halifax, a tight defensive effort by Norway wasn't enough, as Canada slipped away with a 2-1 win.

Rick Nash scored the game-winner with 3:58 left in regulation, while Canada skated with the man advantage. Mike Green netted a first-period power-play goal and Pascal Leclaire made 15 saves.

Mads Hansen scored for the Norwegians, which got a spectacular 50-save performance from Pal Grotnes in defeat.

Canada squares off against Germany on Saturday and Norway plays Latvia on Sunday.