The U.S. overwhelmed Russia, 7-0, at the IIHF World Championships on Saturday at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth.

The U.S. is 2-0 in the tournament, following a 2-0 victory over Canada in the opener Friday night.

Amanda Kessel opened the scoring for the U.S. on Saturday, getting an even-strength goal at 18:37 of the first period.

At the first intermission, it was still a game as the U.S. led, 1-0.

Then the second period began and the floodgates opened.

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Kendall Coyne scored at 10:08, and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson put the Americans up, 3-0, 56 seconds later.

Lamoureux-Davidson sent the U.S. into the second intermission with a 4-0 lead after a power-play goal at 19:37.

The U.S. was equally merciless in the third period. Brianna Decker scored twice, and Coyne added a goal in the final minute.

Kendall and Decker each finished with two goals and two assists. Madeleine Rooney made 14 saves.

The U.S. team came close to boycotting the tournament over a dispute with USA Hockey over wages. The women were demanding pay more in line with their male counterparts.

The issue was settled last week.

After getting about $1,000 a month from the organization for six month around the Olympics in the past, members of the U.S. team now can make a living playing the sport. They will make $3,000-$4,000 a month, with the ability to earn more than $70,000 annually with contributions from the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Players can make up to $129,000 with the Olympics in 2018, and USA Hockey also will arrange for players to fly in business class and stay at nicer hotels as part of the deal finalized Tuesday.

“All of the commitment, the energy and the focus you saw off the ice over the few weeks is what you’re going to see on the ice,” Reagan Carey, general manager of the U.S. team, predicted before the puck dropped. “We’re so excited to showcase that for everybody, especially the fans here.”

Germany 2, Czech Republic 1: Laura Kluge had a goal and an assist as Germany beat the Czech Republic. Julia Zorn also scored for Germany. Aneta Polenska scored for the Czechs. Germany is 2-0 in Group B. Czech Republic is 0-1-1.

Women’s World Championships

When: Through Friday.

Where: USA Hockey Arena, Plymouth.

TV: NHL Network will televise all U.S. games.