Canada to face Russia for World Hockey Gold

Canada defeated Sweden 5-4 after a back and forth game in Quebec City at the IIHF World Hockey Championships. Canada ran its undefeated streak to 19 games in the competition and will now try to defend the Gold they won last year in Moscow Against a strong Russian team. Russia defeated Finland 4-0 earlier Friday. Finland and Sweden will now play for Bronze on Saturday. The Gold medal game will be held on Sunday, also in Quebec City.

The Canadian team faced their toughest challenge yet and had to hang on for the win after Sweden climbed to within one goal care of Frederik Warg with 5 minutes to play in the third period.

Sweden held the lead briefly at 2-1 in the second, but the Canadian team scored two quick goals to take the lead before Sweden equalized again at 3-3, only to fall behind again 5-3. The Canadian team looked comfortable in the lead until Warg's late third period goal.

This tournament gives some of Canada's young talent a chance to make an impression on the group that will select the team for the Olympics in 2010. Defensmen Mike Green, Duncan Keith and Brett Burns are all part of a new generation of Canadian talent and have all Impressed in the tournament. 

Also of note Dany Heatley's first period goal was his 11th of the tournament, which ties him with Eric Lindros for the most in one tournament for a Canadian player.