Russia Wins Hockey World Championship
Russians Collect 25th World Title, Canada Silver, Sweden Bronze
May 16, 2009
Russia became the record champions at the Hockey World Championships by beating Canada 2-1 to win the 2009 title. It was Russia's 25th crown including the time as the Soviet Union. Canada, who have won 24 world titles, picked up their 13th silver. And Sweden claimed their 15th bronze medal with a 4-2 victory over the United States.
Russia Beat U.S. In Semis
Ilya Kovalchuk's third period goal allowed Russia to beat Belarus 4-3 in the quarter-finals to reach a semi-final showdown with the United States, who knocked off Finland. Vyacheslav Bykov's Russians received a goal by Konstantin Gorovikov with 1:47 remaining in the game to win 3-2 against the U.S. to reach the final.
Canada Down Sweden, Advance To Championship Game
Canada out-scored Latvia 3-1 in the second period and held on for a 4-2 victory to move to the semi-finals. Derek Roy scored in the first and second periods as Lindy Ruff's Canadians jumped ahead 3-0 after two periods before winning 3-1 to move into the final.
Sweden Grabs Bronze
In the bronze medal game, Sweden led 2-1 after two periods before Joe Pavelski knotted it in the 42nd minute. But Carl Gunnarsson scored seven minutes later and Johnny Oduya completed the scoring in a 4-2 victory. It was Sweden's 15th bronze medal in world championship history and 41st medal overall. Since winning the 1960 Olympics - which counted as the World Championship as well, the United States have collected just three bronze medals.
Rematch Of 2008 Final, Winner Would Be All-Time Winner
The 2009 Russia-Canada final showdown was a re-match of the 2008 final, which Russia won 5-4 in overtime in Quebec, Canada.
Radulov Goal Gives Russia Championship
In the final, Canadian Jason Spezza opened the scoring 5:37 into the game. Russian Oleg Saprykin evened the score at 12:59 during a power play. Alexander Radulov scored the winning goal for Bykov's team at 14:30 in the second period. The final period remained scoreless.
Kovalchuk Named MVP
The Atlanta Thrashers captain Kovalchuk scored five goals for Russia to win the Most Valuable Player and was also the Best Forward. Canada's Martin St. Louis led all scorers with 15 points. Canada's Shea Weber was the Best Defenseman and Belarus's Andrei Mezin was named the Best Goalkeeper.
Tenth World Championship In Switzerland
The 2009 World Championship was played in Switzerland for the 10th time, going from April 24-May 10. The games were played at the PostFinance Arena in Berne and the Schluefweg in Kloten.
Austria, Hungary Relegated
In the relegation round, Denmark beat Austria, Germany and Hungary to qualify for the 2010 World Championship. Austria and Hungary were relegated to the Division I tournament. Germany would normally have been relegated as well but were exempt as they are hosts of the 2010 event.
