The United States, which leaned on the country’s youth movement when assembling its roster, turned some heads during its run to the semifinal in the 2015 Worlds. Along the way America managed an upset win over Russia in the Preliminary round, but with a spot in the gold medal game on the line, Russia got revenge with Saturday’s 4-0 victory.
Alex Ovechkin, who was a late addition to Russia’s roster after Washington’s elimination, scored a goal and later added an assist on Evgeni Malkin’s empty netter. Sergei Mozyakin and Vadim Shipachyov accounted for Russia’s other two markers.
Team USA might not go away empty handed though as it has a chance to claim the bronze medal on Sunday against the Czech Republic. It would be America’s second medal in three years.
Russia, which won last year’s tournament, will now face Sidney Crosby and Canada in the Championships Final. Canada has gone undefeated thus far and is coming off of back-to-back shutouts against Belarus and the Czech Republic.