The Germans did themselves no favours in the opening frame, putting the Canadian power play on the ice early and often with three consecutive penalties. Canada’s opening goal came on the first man advantage. Connor McDavid found defenceman Madison Bowey with a pass to the outside in the German zone. Bowey fired the puck under goaltender Kevin Reich’s arm for the Canadians’ first goal of the game.

While Germany surrendered only one goal on five penalty kills in the first, the team gave up another just over midway through the frame at equal strength. Roland McKeown made a pass to Yan Laplante as the Canadian forward came off the bench and strode into the German zone. Laplante loaded up and fired a slapshot that zipped through Reich’s legs for the 2-0 lead.

The Germans came out stronger in the second, getting an early power play and putting more shots on net. But they were unable to solve goaltender Kevin Desrosiers, and with 7:49 left to go in the period a scramble in front of the German net ended with another goal for Canada from Connor McDavid, his second of the tournament.

Germany finally lit up the red light and cut into Canada’s lead late in the period, thanks to a goal from Jan Moser with assists from Dominik Kahun and Leon Draisatl.

Both teams have a day off on Sunday before resuming action next week. Canada will face Switzerland in the early game on Monday while Germany takes on Slovakia.