Ottawa draftee Curtis Lazar scored the game-winner as Canada defeated the U.S. 3-2 in World Junior action on Tuesday, clinching top spot in Group A in the process.
Lazar, taken 17th overall at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, converted a Jonathan Drouin pass in the third period to give the Canadians a 3-1 lead, which was cut to one when Devils forward Stefan Matteau scored late in regulation.
Canada also got goals from Conor McDavid and Nic Petan -- who had two goals in Canada’s 5-3 win over Slovakia on Monday -- while Riley Barber scored the other American tally.
With the win, the Canadians will now face the fourth-place team from Group B in the tournament quarterfinals. The Americans, who finished second in Group A, will take on the third-place team in Group B.