The Czech Republic and Slovakia sealed top spots in their respective groups with tough victories at hockey's World Championships on Wednesday

In Turku, the Czechs edged Finland 2-1 on Martin Straka's third period goal to finish with a 3-0 record in the preliminary round and win Group D. In Helsinki, Los Angeles Kings forward Zigmund Palffy added to his tournament leading scoring total with a goal as reigning champions Slovakia handed Germany a 3-1 loss to clinch Group A. Ville Peltonen got the Finns off to a flying start when his shot during a Czech power play hit goalie Tomas Vokoun and then trickled over the line to put his side 1-0 up with just over four minutes left in the first period. The two hockey heavyweights tussled for most of a penalty filled first period, but neither team could capitalise on the two-man advantages they had. Slovakia, Canada, Russia and the Czechs all won their groups in the preliminary round as they head into the qualifying round.