The Globe and Mail

Minor hockey players carry flags before the game between Russia and Sweden during their earlier round-robin game. The two teams clash for the gold-medal Thursday night.

Sweden's Johan Sundström hammers Pavel Kulikov into the Swedish bench during the first period.

Sweden's Erik Thorell and Russia's Mikhail Naumenkov fight for control of the puck during the first period.

Russian goalie Andrei Makarov kept the game scoreless through the first period.

Russia's Andrei Makarov just barely keeps the puck out of the goal as Sweden's William Karlsson, right, and Mika Zibanejad crash the net in the first.

Sweden's Johan Larsson hits Russia's Nikita Kucherov in the first period.

Sweden's Rickard Rakell tries to get a shot past Andrei Makarov as Daniil Apalkov chases in the first period.

Russia goaltender Andrei Makarov holds his ice as Sweden's William Karlsson crashes his crease.

Johan Gustafsson keeps the game 0-0.

Russia goaltender Andrei Makarov and Sweden's Erik Thorell cross sticks.

Sweden's Rickard Rakell crashes into Russia's goalie Andrei Makarov in the third period.

Russia goalie Andrei Makarov is checked out by a team medic after being hit by Sweden's Rickard Rakell during the third period.

Sweden's goalie Johan Gustafsson earned the shutout.

Sweden's Mika Zibanejad scores the game winner on Russia's Andrei Makarov.

Sweden's Mika Zibanejad, right, celebrates after scoring the gold-medal clinching goal in overtime against Russia.

Russia's captian Yevgeni Kuznetsov led his team in scoring throughout the tournament.

Sweden team members celebrate after defeating Russia in overtime to win the gold medal game of the 2012 IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championships in Calgary.