And on the 12th day, the Hockey Gods gifted us with the perfect ending tothe 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship Canada versus the United States with a gold medal on the line. It did not disappoint.Entering the game, Canada was earmarked for a win. After all, the team had only allowed four goals through six gamesand wascoming off back-to-back shutouts. But when the final buzzer sounded it was the Americans, instead, with a 2-0 win.MVP Trevor Zegras played a key role with a goal and an a sist on Alex Turcotte's opener. The Ducks prospect backed Babe Ruth Jersey up what he said pregame to NHL Network's Jill Savage."I honestly don't think this goalie's been tested 5-on-5 yet," he said regarding Canada's netminder Devon Levi who had only given up three power-play goals the entire tournament.Asked Savage: "What's going to be the difference? What's going to give you that slight edge to take this one?""I honestly don't think (Canada's)been tested with a real team yet and I think we're kind of going on all cylinders right now," Zegrasresponded matter-of-factly."I think we're gonna catch them by surprise."The Americans did just that.In the first period, Zegrassent the puck up to Drew Helleson at the point. The defenseman then put it on net and Turcotte deflected it home. The goal marked the first 5-on-5 tally the Canadiansallowed in the entire tournament and the first time they trailed.Then, just 32 seconds into the second period, it was the 2019 Ducks first-rounder getting the goal after the puck hit the outside of the net and Levi was leaning the wrong way."That was by far the biggest goal I've ever scoredin my life," said Turcotte, who was one of eight players that returned from last year's squad that lost in the quarterfinals."It was an unbelievable feeling. It's a dream come true and to win a gold medal at the world juniors, it's everything I'd hoped it would be."Zegras' two points gave him 18(seven goals, 11 a sists) and the tournament's scoring title; he entered the final game tied with Canada's Dylan Cozens.The a sist also tied him with Jordan Schroeder for most USA career a sists in world juniors history (20) and after the goal, tied Schroeder in points (27)."I loved it. It was honest. There's nothing wrong with being honest," said USA head coach Nate Leaman in regards to Zegras' NHL Network interview. Trevor was theMVP in the tournament. He showed up against every team we played. He scored points against every team.Since losing the lid-lifter to Ru sia on Christmas Day 5-3,the Americans went on a tear closing out the tournament with six straight wins and allowing just five goals. Spencer Knight, who gave up four goals on 12 shots to Ru sia never looked back. Didi Gregorius Jersey Tuesday's 34-save shutout was the third goose-egg he put up in the 2021 edition, setting a USA Hockey record for most shutouts in a world juniorscareer. The gold-medal game also marked the first shutout by an American team in a medal round.With the win, the U.S. has now won four of five meetings with Canada in the gold-medal game (Canada got the first one). It's a disappointing finish for thisCanadian crew that was dominating for the first six games. The group had its scoring chances. but either Knight made the stop, the Americans blocked the attempt, the shot sailed wide or, as Bowen Byram did Drew Hutchison Jersey in the middle frame, the puck hit the pipe. Canada was looking for back-to-back titles for the first time since winning five in a row from 2005-09; that run was also the last time any countrywon two consecutive championships."We lostthe gold-medal game. We feel horrible. It sucks," said Cozens, who finished with 16 points."Even though we didn't win the gold medal, we lost the final game, we're still a hell of ahockey teamand we had a great tournament," noted Bowen Byram."Sometimes it just doesn't go your way.I don't think that game takes anything away from our group. We're definitely proud of each and every one of our guys. ... It's just, it's definitely tough to swallow right now."Both teams have been through a lot:bubbles and quarantines.Zoom calls,daily COVID-19testing, and boring meals. Both teams talked about how close their team has become. Both teams hadtheir eyes on the prize.In the end, it was the U.S. thatcame out on top to close out things in Edmonton. They'll head back home golden.Sporting News had all the action as the United States defeated the Canadians for gold.(All times Eastern) Canada vs. USAscore, highlights from 2021 World Juniors gold-medal gameThird period: USA J.A. Happ Jersey 2, Canada 011:51 p.m. USA clears the zone and that'll do it.11:50 p.m. Thirty seconds and the Americans are keeping the puck on the boards behind the net.11:50 p.m. One minute to go. Canada is controlling the puck but can't connect.11:49 p.m. Empty net with two minutes to go.11:48 p.m. Point shot and Spencer Knight does full splits for the stop. Both saves with empty net.11:47 p.m. Wow what a stop by Knight on a point-blank shot from the slot.11:47 p.m. Three minutes to go.11:46 p.m. Connor McMichael breaks in, makes a quick move and Spencer Knight makes the stop. McMichael slams the stick into the gla s.11:44 p.m. Five minutes to go. Canada outshooting the Americans 8-1 in the period but trailing by two.11:42 p.m. Another scramble at the net with Knight just laying on Troy Tulowitzki Jersey his back to keep the puck out. Canada coming oh-so-close.11:40 p.m. Seven minutes to go. Doesn't feel like there's been much offensive zone time for the Americans in this period. Canada is getting some chances but can't find the back of the net.11:39 p.m. Wow. Mad scramble and somehow the puck doesn't go in for Canada. They don't seem to have much puck-luck tonight.11:35 p.m. Ten minutes to go in regulation. Canada down 2-0 and have five shots in the final frame. USA does have one but they do have the two-goal lead.11:35p.m. Canada trying to get something going but Bobby Brink once again laying the body on the line with some big-time blocks.11:33 p.m. Turcotte is back out there.11:32 p.m. Dylan Cozens cuts in but shoots it wide.11:30 p.m. Alex Turcotte hobbles off after a hit.11:28 p.m. Canada getting some offensive zone time but Knight is there and the Americans block a few including a big one by Bobby Brink on a Kaiden Guhle point shot.11:21 p.m. Canada and American trade long shots that are easily stopped.11:19 p.m. Third period underway. In 2020, Canada won gold after trailing 3-1 in the third. Will they repeat a comebackin 2021?Second period: USA 2, Canada 011:01 p.m.