Jiri Novotny

Russia battled from a goal down to win the world championship on Sunday, beating 2002 champions Slovakia 6-2 in the final.

Czech Republic grabbed bronze at the world ice hockey championship on Sunday with a tight 3-2 win over the last year's champions Finland.

Holders Finland advanced to the semi-finals of the world ice hockey championships with a last-gasp winner against the United States on Thursday, but Olympic champions Canada were shocked by Slovakia.

Olympic champions Canada battled back from two goals down to clinch their group lead with a 5-3 win over reigning champions, and co-hosts of the world ice hockey championship, Finland here Friday.

Defending champions Russia maintained their perfect world championship record on Thursday with a 3-1 Group A win over Belarus.

Ovechkin scores, Russia open worlds with 3-1 win over Slovakia. Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin scored to help two-time defending champion Russia open with the world hockey championhips with a 3-1 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.

Ville Koistinen scores lone shootout goal, Predators edge Blue Jackets. Ville Koistinen scored the only shootout goal to give the Nashville Predators a 5-4 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.