Lafreniere dominates as Canada tops U.S. to start world juniors

Team Canada is off and running at the world juniors.

Alexis Lafreniere delivered the game-winner late in the third period and added three assists to help Canada to a 6-4 victory over the United States on Thursday.

Canada caught fire on the power play, clicking for three goals with the man advantage, including a pair from team captain Barrett Hayton.

After falling behind 2-0 in the opening frame, the Red and White exploded for three straight second-period goals from forwards Connor McMichael, Hayton, and Nolan Foote.

Hayton's second goal of the game gave Canada a 4-2 lead in the third before forwards Nick Robertson and Shane Pinto tied the game for the Americans, setting up Lafreniere's late heroics.

Canadian netminder Nico Daws made 28 saves to record the victory.

Canada will look to keep rolling when it meets Russia on Saturday.