Alexander Holtz scored in overtime after Nils Hoglander potted a lacrosse-style goal from behind the net in regulation as Sweden edged the defending gold medallists.
On a level ice surface, Canada should beat nearly everyone at hockey. This is what makes coaching Team Canada at a world junior championship, played in Canada, almost thankless.
Artur Gatiyatov scored the winning goal and added an assist and goaltender Demid Yeremeyev made 40 saves as Kazakhstan held off Denmark 4-3 Wednesday in the first game of the relegation round at the world junior hockey championship.
Despite losing its four Pool B round-robin games in Victoria against Finland, United States, Slovakia and Sweden, the Kazakhstan team quickly became lovable underdogs.
There are a lot of players to follow annually at the WJC and to get you prepared for this event, Sportsnet junior hockey and NHL Draft insider Sam Cosentino gives you three players to focus on for each team in the tournament.
Akil Thomas scored with 3:58 left in the third period to cap a furious comeback and secure a 4-3 victory for the Canada's 18th title at the annual under-20 tournament.
Alexis Lafreniere is expected to make his return from a left knee injury for Canada when it faces Slovakia in their quarterfinal matchup on Thursday, according to NHL.com's Guillaume Lepage.
Joel Farabee posted a natural hat trick and the United States amassed eight total goals as they easily took down Kazakhstan at the World Junior Championship.
The Canadians faced a little adversity for the first time and didn't let bad habits seep in; Sweden's depth shows itself through two games; the Russians don't start the strongest, but history suggests they'll come around; and Kaapo Kakko looks very comfortable.
Team Canada looked like the antithesis of the nervy, erratic side that laboured through three pre-tournament games last week, as the Canadians rollicked Denmark 14-0 to open the World Junior Championship on Wednesday.
Josh Norris had the eventual winner early in the second period as the United States held off a stubborn Czech Republic for a 3-1 win on Wednesday to advance to the semifinals of the world junior hockey tournament.