Canada wins world junior title

Canada won its fifth consecutive world junior title Monday, pulling away from Sweden late in the third period for a 5-1 victory.

The Kings would have won no matter the outcome. Two of their prospects -- Canadian defensemen Thomas Hickey and Colten Teubert -- won gold medals and forward Oscar Moller, whom they loaned to the Swedish team, won a silver medal.

It's always great stuff, and players who have participated in the tournament talk about it for the rest of their lives.

This finale seemed especially contentious. The differences that used to define the European and North American games are no longer distinct: we've taken some of their puck-control strategies and they've taken some of the North American ruggedness.

-- Helene Elliott

Photo: Canada's Angelo Esposito celebrates his goal with teammates Cody Goloubef (17), John Tavares (19) and Chris DiDomenico during the second period Monday. Credit: Sean Kilpatrick / Associated Press