Nick Bjugstad of the Gophers scored three goals -- all in the second period -- and had two assists as the U.S. rolled to a 12-2 victory over Latvia in a relegation round game at the World Junior Championships.

Kyle Rau, Bjugstad's linemate at the U, had one goal. on a power play in the second period, and two assists.

"It was good to see our offense gel today," U.S. team coach Dean Blais said.

After beating Denmark 11-3 in its first game of group play, the U.S. team had scored only five goals in consecutive losses to Finland (4-1). the Czech Republic (5-2) and Canada (3-2). It did not make the medal round.

The U.S. will play Switzerland at 4 p.m. Wednesday for seventh place in the tournament. The U.S. beat Switzerland 7-3 on Dec. 21 in an exhibition game.

Against Latvia, Austin Watson actually had two more pointa than Bjugstad. He scored the first three goals of the game, all in the first period. Bjugstad had assists on Watson's first two goals, Rau on his third goal, which came on a power play.

Jason Zucker, a Wild recruit, scored a short-handed goal to give the U.S. a 4-0 lead after the first period. The U.S. scored seven goals in the second period to Latvia's one, making the score 11-1.

The U.S. team outshot the Latvians 58-29 and was 4-for-9 on the power play. Bjugstad's third goal came on the man advantage. Latvia was 0-for-3 with a man advantage.

* Because the U.S. team did not reach the World Junior semifinals this year, it's players will finish one day earlier in the tournament. For Bjugstad and Rau, it means they will be back in Minneapolis on Thursday and have an extra day rest before the Gophers play Notre Dame on Saturday at Mariucci Arena.