To the ice in Toronto and the World Cup of Hockey where hosts Canada were taking on their neighbours to the south, the USA.

The Canucks came into this Group A encounter on the back of a 6-0 trouncing of the Czech Republic, but as for the Yanks who lost their opener 3-0 to Europe, one more defeat would see them out of the competition.

And two goals from Matt Duchene would help make that a reality.

But the Americans strike first when less than five minutes into the opening period, Ryan McDonagh bangs a rebound past Carey Price for their first goal of the tournament.

Their lead doesn't last long as about a minute and a half later Marc-Edouard Vlasic flings the puck off the back boards and it bounces right to Duchene at the side of the net and he tucks it past Joanathan Quick and we're tied at 1.

The next goal comes even faster when just 14 seconds later Logan Couture fires it in front and the rebound pings off Corey Perry's side and into the net to make it 2-1 for Canada.

Then it would be Duchene again, capitalizing on an American turnover and making a nice move before going five-hole on Quick for his second of the night and it's 3-1 Canada and the partisan crowd is loving it.

Second period now and John Tavares undresses Matt Niskanen before his attempted pass goes off Patrice Bergeron and McDonagh's skates and in. Take another look at Tavares' deke as Bergeron gets credit for the Canadians fourth goal.

TJ Oshie would add an ugly one for the US, but it's too little too late as Canada win 4-2 and clinch a spot in the semi-finals, while the Americans are done.

Lundqvist makes 36 saves in shutout

The other game would also feature a battle of neighbours as Finland took on Sweden looking for their first win of the tournament.

The Finns almost take the lead five minutes in, but Teuvo Teravainen is absolutely robbed by Henrik Lundqvist who makes two quick saves including a beauty stick job.

Midway through the second period and Henrik Sedin is going to collect the puck behind the net and make a sweet pass to Anton Stralman who scores to make it 1-0 Sweden.

Lundqvist, who missed Sweden's first game due to an illness, shows no lingering effects as the New York Rangers goalie makes a flashy glove save on Patrik Laine.

Finland would pull Tuuka Rask for an extra attacker, but instead it's the Swedes adding a second when Loui Eriksson connects on a long shot in the dying seconds. Lundqvist records 36 saves in the 2-0 shutout giving Sweden a firm grip on the top of Group B.