Canada golden

Canada left no question as to who was at the top of the sport as they outscored their opponents 46-2 in the tournament. It was the most lopsided triumph in the sport's short Olympic history.

Monday night was the first time in nine world championships and three Olympics that the gold medal match did not pit the Canadians up against archrivals USA.

Sweden shocked the US last week in a wild shootout victory in the semi-final.

Unfortunately for the Swedes the miracles ran out as Canada surged out to the lead just three minutes into the match.

Gillian Apps picked up the puck behind the net and skated all the way around to the slot before backhanding weakly at the Kim Martin's net. The standout Swedish goaltender appeared to have lost sight of the puck momentarily as it slipped just under her stick and into the right corner of the net.

In the eight minute, Martin showed why she has been the talk of the tournament when a smooth pass put Caroline Ouellette one on one with the Swede who responded by making a sparkling stick save to hold off the surging Canadian attack.

The Swedish defence was stretched and finally broke again in the 12th minute when Hefford took the puck on the right boards. She was well covered by the Swedish defense but managed to swing a cross all the way across the ice to find Ouellette who fought off her marker to bang in Canada's second goal.

The second period proved to be just as fruitful for the defending champions as they added another pair of goals.

On 28 minutes Hayley Wickenheiser found an unmanned Cherie Piper in front of the net. Piper was not shy in blasting home a superb top-shelf rocket that Martin could only wave at with her glove.

Four minutes later Hefford capped off Canadas scoring after Jennifer Botterill dug out a loose puck behind the Sweden net. Botterill was patient in looking for the right pass and finally found it when she spotted Hefford in the slot. The Canadian confidently put home the fourth goal of the night.

Charline Lebonte's shutout was spoiled five minutes into the third period when Gunilla Andersson clapped a slap shot into the upper left hand corner. Ouellette went to the box for body-checking allowing Sweden to set up the power play. Maria Rooth and Erika Holst passed the puck between themselves before Holst looked to Andersson at the right point. The defenseman stepped up and took her chances on net. The puck seemed to take a slight deflection before it ended up in the back of Labonte's net.

The goal proved to be too little too late as Canada went on to win their second gold medal in a row. Sweden managed one better than 2002 by winning silver. They beat the Finns in Salt Lake City to win bronze.