Connor McDavid has two-point game to lead Canada to 3-1 win over Germany

SOCHI, Russia – Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters scored for the second straight game to lead Canada in a 3-1 win over Germany on Saturday at the IIHF under-18 world championship.

McDavid finished with a goal and an assist as Canada improved to 2-0 at the tournament. Canada opened the tournament with a 4-1 in over Slovakia.

He assisted on Madison Bowey’s opening goal just 1:27 in the game while on the power play.

Yan-Pavel Laplante of the P.E.I. Rocket made it 2-0 when he scored at 11:22 of the first as Canada finished the period with a 15-7 edge in shots on goal.

McDavid pushed the lead to 3-0 midway through the second, but Germany got one back when Janik Moser scored with under a minute left in the frame.

Canadian goalie Philippe Desrosiers finished with a 25 saves on 26 shots, while Kevin Reich was kept busy at the other end with 36 saves on 39 shots.

Canada next plays Switzerland on Monday.

The tournament is being played on two 2014 Olympic rinks. Canada will play the first round in Group B against Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland and Sweden at the 7,000-seat Shayba Arena.

The United States is looking for a fifth straight gold medal at the event. The Americans and host Russia are in Group A with Latvia, Finland and the Czech Republic at the 12,000-seat Bolshoy Ice Dome.

Many top players are unavailable to participate at the tournament because they’re still involved in playoffs with their junior clubs.

The semifinals are on April 26 with the final on April 28.

Canada won gold in 2003 and 2008 but then was out of the medals until it took bronze at last year’s event.