Sergei Zinoviev scored three goals and Russia beat Denmark 4-3 in the second round of hockey's world championships.
In another game Thursday, Norway defeated Switzerland 3-2. The United States begins second-round play Friday against Canada.
Zinoviev opened the scoring in the first period before Nichlas Hardt and Mikkel Bodker put Denmark ahead 2-1. Zinoviev tied it midway through the second and completed his hat trick with 5:42 left in the period.
Danis Zaripov assisted on all three goals.
''We were a little nervous, and the Danes focused on a good transition game,'' Russian coach Vyacheslav Bykov said. ''Overall, I'm happy with the result.''
Yevgeni Artyukhin gave the Russians a two-goal advantage in the third period. Denmark cut the deficit to one goal when Hardt scored again.
In another second-round game, Norway overcame being outshot 41-25 to beat Switzerland 3-2.
''Our players did their job, even a little bit more against the strong Swiss team, so we're very happy,'' Norway coach Roy Johansen said.
Norway was tied with Canada for the provisional lead in Group F.
In the first matches of the relegation round, Belarus routed Austria 7-2 and Slovenia beat Latvia 5-2.
