WJC ON LOCATION: Canada takes over Buffalo

by Marc Ciampa / Edmonton Oilers

Anton Lander #16 and Jesper Thornberg #28 of Sweden celebrate teammate Adam Larsson's (not shown) goal against Russia during the 2011 IIHF World U20 Championship Semi Final game between Sweden and Russia on January 3, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

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BUFFALO, NY -- From now until the end of the Gold Medal Game, we will be on location to provide coverage of the World Junior Hockey Championship.

RUSSIA 4, SWEDEN 3 (SO)

Anton Lander and Team Sweden got off to a slow start against Russia in the first semifinal game on Monday but managed to come back from a two-goal deficit to take the lead.

A late Sweden power play by Patrick Cehlin led to Sweden's first lead of the game but it was shortlived. Less than two minutes later, the Russians tied it up at 3-3.

Overtime solved nothing but Russia ended up winning in the shootout 4-3. Lander had a chance to tie it for Sweden's final shot but his shot rang off the post.

Lander finished the game with a +1 rating and three shots on net in a losing cause.

6:37 into the game, Vladimir Tarasenko scored to give the Russians a 1-0 lead.

Seven minutes into the second period, that lead was extended to 2-0 after Denis Golubev scored during a goalmouth scramble.

Sweden got one back late in the period on a goal by Adam Larsson. Lander provided a screen in front.

Shortly after the goal, Lander took a penalty for holding the stick which carried over into the third period. However, the Swedes were able to kill it off.

Moments after the penalty expired, Sweden went on the rush and got the equalizing goal. Calle Jarnkrok was credited with the marker.

Post-game interview with Anton Lander |

Highlights: Sweden vs. Russia

CANADA 4, USA 1

Oilers prospect Curtis Hamilton scores the game's opening goal, his fourth of the tournament (photo by Getty Images)

A massive contingent of Canadian fans crossed the border into Buffalo for the second semifinal game. Out of the 19,000+ in attendance, well over 80% were wearing the red and white.

Oilers prospect Curtis Hamilton got those fans off their feet early - 2:38 in to be precise - scoring Canada's first goal and sparking the team to a 4-1 win over USA.

The goal was what is fast become a trademark Curtis Hamilton goal. He took advantage of a scramble in front and pounced on a rebound amid a sea of white USA jerseys to make it a 1-0 game.

Quinton Howden replied about 10 minutes later to make it 2-0 and Canada was off to the races.

Canada added a third goal in the second period and a fourth in the third period before USA's Chris Brown scored to make it a little bit closer.

But make no mistake, this was Canada's night and the Canadians now face their historic rivals, Russia, on Wednesday in front of what is expected to be an equally boisterous and equally red-and-white clad Canadian crowd.

Watch Hamilton's goal |

Hamilton post-game interview |

Highlights: Canada vs. USA