Against all odds, the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship was completed. Based on the way the tournament went, the odds of the United States winning the whole thing may have been even longer. However, for the fourth time in 11 years, the Americans skated off the ice with the gold medal following one of the more spectacular defensive efforts and goaltending performances the U.S. has ever enjoyed at that level.
Canada looked unbeatable throughout much of the tournament, outscoring opponents 41-4 prior to the gold-medal game, and never once trailing. However, they ran into a hot goaltender and a U.S. squad that was committed to forcing the Canadians to earn every inch of ice.