BUFFALO, N.Y. — St. Louis Blues draft pick Klim Kostin scored twice in leading Russia to a 5-2 win over Belarus in a preliminary round game of the world junior hockey championship on Friday.

Artur Kayumov and German Rubtsov had a goal and assist each for Russia, which won its second straight since a tournament-opening 5-4 loss to the Czech Republic. Alexei Polodyan also scored as Russia clinched a berth in the quarterfinal round on Tuesday.

Sergei Pishuk had a goal and assist and Dmitri Deryabin also scored for Belarus (0-3). Belarus closes the preliminary round against the Czech Republic on Saturday and is in jeopardy of finishing last in five-team Group B standings.