Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester scored the winning goal and Canada rallied to take the gold medal with a 5-3 victory over Sweden in the world hockey championships.
The United States won the bronze with a 1-0 victory in a shootout over Slovakia. It was the first medal for the Americans since they finished third in 1996.
Bouwmeester took a pass from Thrashers forward Dany Heatley, while rushing the net, and put a shot between the pads of Henrik Lundqvist.
Canada, a 23-time winner, has back-to-back titles for the first time since 1958-59.
"It hadn't been done since 1959 and it's great," said Oilers defenseman Ryan Smyth, Canada's captain. "It tops off the NHL season a bit better."
Bouwmeester put Canada ahead for the first time 20 seconds into the third, and Matt Cooke made it 5-3 at 10:12. Sweden led 2-0 in the first.
PANTHERS: In March, interim coach John Torchetti was endorsed by general manager Rick Dudley. But Torchetti, a former Lightning assistant, is unsure of his future because former Ottawa coach Jacques Martin is now available.
Martin is the leading candidate. He led the Senators to the Presidents Trophy in 2003. But Torchetti isn't bitter. In fact, he'd consider another position if Martin gets the job.
"My goal is to help the Panthers get the Stanley Cup, but get to the playoffs first," Torchetti said. "That's the goal first, so whatever job you're given, you work it to its fullest. As far as I'm concerned, you're not told you're the head coach until you sign a contract, and it's just great to be considered.
"I'd love to get the opportunity to do it. If it doesn't work out that way, I'd still love to come back and be assistant coach and be part of this program."