Canada blows out USA to earn top spot in Group A

Canada sent a message to its biggest rival Thursday night, defeating the United States 5-1 at the Women's World Hockey Championship.

The win secured top spot in Group A for the Canadians heading into the quarterfinal round and brought their record to a perfect 4-0. The Americans fell to 3-1 for the tournament and saw their 29-game winning streak at the worlds come to an end.

Canada hadn't beaten the U.S. at the event since 2013.

Melodie Daoust and Renata Fast scored for Canada in the first period before Jamie Rattray buried twice and Sarah Nurse added another in the middle frame to put the game out of reach. Lee Stecklein gave the United States a consolation tally in the third.

The quarterfinals are scheduled to begin Saturday.