The United States scored seven unanswered goals to blow out Slovakia 10-2 on Sunday at the World Junior Championship.
With the victory, the U.S. secured the top seed in Group B and will face the fourth-ranked team from Group A in the quarterfinals.
The Americans had a 3-2 advantage with under two minutes remaining in the second frame. Slovakia outshot the U.S. 20-11 in the middle period, but two late goals 34 seconds apart killed the Slovaks' momentum entering the intermission.
Winnipeg Jets first-rounder Rutger McGroarty led the way with a hat trick. Cutter Gauthier - a Philadelphia Flyers fifth overall pick - scored his first goal of the tournament, and Detroit Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine stopped 38 of 40 shots in the victory in his return after a brief illness.
