Germany, with Marcel Goc, Robert Dietrich, and Alexander Sulzer, picked up a key 2-1 win over Slovakia on Tuesday to secure a spot in the Quarterfinals Round of the 2010 World Championships. Sulzer skated 19:04 ice time (second-most on the team) with a +1 plus/minus rating, while Goc saw 17:35 of ice time (most among team forwards). Germany entered the tournament No. 12 in the World Rankings, but has been one of the surprise teams of the Championships, allowing just nine goals in its six games played. The Preds defenseman have spearheaded the efforts; Dietrich ranks second on the team in average ice time and Sulzer third. Marcel Goc leads team forwards in ice time. The Preds trio have a combined +2 plus/minus rating during the tournament.

In other action, Team Sweden won it's group with a 5-0 shutout of Switzerland. Roman Josi saw 20:47 of ice time in the game for Switzerland, and finished with an "Even" plus/minus rating. The Swiss, another of the surprise teams at this year's tournament, finished second in the group. Russia also picked up a 5-0 shutout on Tuesday, blanking Team Finland. After consecutive wins earlier in the week, Pekka Rinne was given the game off for Finland, but appears likely to be back in goal for the team's Quarterfinals match-up on Thursday.

Based on the results of the Qualification Round, the Preds will be represented in all four of the Quarterfinals match-ups, highlighted by the Germany/Switzerland which will feature four Preds players/prospects.

World Championships Tournament Bracket
Thursday, May 20 - Quarterfinals
QF1 - Finland (Rinne & Pihlstrom) vs. Czech Republic
QF2 - Sweden (Andersson & Lindback) vs. Denmark
QF3 - Russia (Grebeshkov) vs. Canada
QF4 - Switzerland (Josi) vs. Germany (Dietrich, Goc, Sulzer)

Saturday, May 22 - Semifinals
SF 1 - Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF2
SF 2 - Winner QF3 vs. Winner QF4

Sunday, May 23 - Medal Games
Brozne Medal Game - Loser SF 1 vs. Loser SF 2
Gold Medal Game - Winner SF 1 vs. Winner SF 2