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U.S. thumps Austria at hockey worlds
By
Sports Network
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Kosice, Slovakia - Blake Wheeler of the Atlanta Thrashers was one of five different goal-scorers, as the United States opened Group C play at the 2011 World Ice Hockey Championship with a resounding 5-1 victory over Austria.
St. Louis defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk and New York Rangers prospect Chris Kreider also scored the Americans, who got a 12-save performance from Al Montoya of the New York Islanders. Rangers rookie forward Derek Stepan collected two assists in the win.
Marco Pewal supplied the lone tally for Austria, while Jurgen Penker stopped 27 shots in defeat.
Also Saturday, Finland bested Denmark, 5-1, in their Group D opener.
Juhamatti Aaltonen registered a goal and an assist, while Petri Vehanen needed to make just eight saves for Finland.
Frederik Andersen turned aside 39-of-44 shots in the loss for Denmark.
