U.S. blanks Canada to win gold at world juniors

Team USA defeated Canada 2-0 to capture its fifth gold medal at the World Junior Championship and first since 2017.

Alex Turcotte opened the scoring for the Americans in the first period, and Trevor Zegras doubled the lead just 32 seconds into the second frame.

Zegras, who also picked up an assist on Turcotte's tally, tied the American all-time scoring record at the world juniors with his 27th point collected over the last two tourneys. The Anaheim Ducks prospect was named tournament MVP.

Spencer Knight turned aside all 34 shots he faced for his third shutout of the event. The 19-year-old authored a .939 save percentage and 1.63 goals-against average through six outings.

Canada outscored its opponents 41-4 entering the contest and hadn't trailed in the tournament before the Americans took the lead.

The U.S. has now defeated Canada in four consecutive gold-medal meetings (2004, 2010, 2017).