They went end-to-end, fired shots from everywhere, full tilt. The goalies flipped and flopped robbing one shooter after another. In the end, Canada beat Slovakia 5-1 in what can only be described as one of the best preliminary-round games in recent World Championship memory.

Canada played an effective and patient game, controlling play and taking advantage of their chances in defeating Italy 6-1 this afternoon at Helsinki Ice Hall.

Canada began its defence of World Championship gold with a solid 5-3 win over Germany.