Anthony Duclair scored 23 seconds in for Canada setting the tone for the gold medal game in the U20 World Junior Championship. He won a battle along the boards beating two Russians and then one-timed a perfect Max Domi centering pass past Igor Shestyorkin sending Air Canada Centre into bedlam.

Canada has already chased Shestyorkin scoring twice. He was hardly at fault. Canada has gotten an unbelievable start. Since, Ilya Sorokin has come on in relief and made some key saves to keep Russian only down two. Duclair could easily have a hat trick. He’s been the best player. Perhaps making a statement to stay with the Rangers. They definitely have an interesting decision. If they keep Duclair, then they go with the kids and Lee Stempniak sits out and maybe Tanner Glass is waived. That’s up for debate.

The first period has been extremely chippy with Canada delivering some big hits with the benches at each other’s throats. We’ll have more later.