The dramatic late strike condemned the Americans to their third defeat of the pool phase as Germany leap-frogged them into third position in Group B.

The win was Germany's first over the Americans in regulation time for 23 years and follows defeats for the US against Finland and local rivals Canada.

"You can tell we're confident," said Germany's Felix Schutz.

"We’re playing good hockey, and that’s what happens."

Patrick Hager’s power play goal gave Germany the lead a little over two minutes into the first period, before Jake McCabe fired home to level for the US.

Christian Ehrhoff restored Germany's lead with a goal through a crowded area but Auston Matthews equalised for the Americans on the power play just seconds into the middle period.

The game remained level until Holzer's late heroics, with his strike zipping past American stopper Mike Condon.

In Group A in Moscow, Denmark claimed a surprise 2-1 shoot-out win over previously undefeated Czech Republic.

The Czechs, already assured of their last eight berth, went ahead through Tomas Plekanec but the Danes levelled as Morten Madsen scrambled home the loose puck.

There were no further goals, and Denmark then scored three times in the shoot-out, starting with Lars Eller netting.

Lukas Kaspar replied for the Czechs before Nikolaj Ehlers registered, and Michal Repik was then off target to hand Denmark a winning chance.

Nicklas Jensen duly took it as the Czechs left the door open for hosts Russia to overtake them at the summit of the group.

Denmark now sit fifth, but are level on points with fourth place Switzerland who lost 3-2 to Sweden via another shoot-out.

In Group B, Finland made it six wins from six with a 5-0 rout of Slovakia.