Ovechkin scores, Russia open worlds with 3-1 win over Slovakia

Ovechkin scores, Russia open worlds with win

COLOGNE, Germany — Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored to help two-time defending champion Russia open with the world hockey championhips with a 3-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.

Maxim Afinogenov and Viktor Kozlov also scored, and Vasili Koshechkin made 32 saves. Ivan Majesky scored for Slovakia in the Group A game.

Also in Group A, Belarus rallied to top Kazakhstan 5-2.

In Group C, Jaromir Jagr set up three goals to help the Czech Republic beat France 6-2. Jiri Novotny had a goal and two assists for the Czechs.

Also in Group C, Matt Weinhandl had three goals in Sweden’s 5-2 win over Norway.