In the much anticipated game between host Canada and the U.S. in the preliminary-round finale of the World Junior Championship, it was supposed to be a big night for top draft prospects Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. While both played fine, the story went far beyond those prized prospects.Canada earned a 5-3 win with the help of a pair of empty-net goals late that thwarted two U.S. comeback efforts late in the game in what turned out to be another solid contest between two longtime rivals. The depth of Canada was on full display and their star players shone bright in a game that was probably kept a lot closer than it should have been without American goalie Thatcher Demko.The first period seemed to belong all to the U.S. at the outset, with good chances, but momentum shifted in Canadas favor throughout the second half of the period. Demko came up with some huge stops and weathered a 17-shot onslaught to ensure the game stayed scorele s after 20 minues.In the second period, Canada turned things up a notch and prospect Max Domi scored after he collected a Domingo Santana Jersey rebound from a Sam Reinhart shot and deposited the puck into the net 7:07 into the middle frame. GIF via A little over three minutes later, first-rounder Josh Morri sey scored on a bullet one-timer from the point to put the Americans firmly on their heels.A fortuitous power play gave the Americans an opening, however. The man advantage hadnt been their strong suit coming into the game, but they made it count. Eichel drew a few defenders to him and caught Canada Corey Knebel Jersey watching as he slipped the puck to Sonny Milano who pa sed up a shot for a cro s-crease pa s to prospects Anthony DeAngelo who made it 2-1.GIF via @PeteBlackburnIt was a good response from the Americans, who had an uneven effort through the first 40, but the third period was about to present another challenge. It was McDavids turn to get himself on the scoresheet as he made a nice rush down the left side and flipped a shot on net. The rebound popped out to Curtis Lazar and deflected off of him into the net. The goal was reviewed as Lazar made contact with Demko and was in the crease, but it was upheld to give Canada a 3-1 lead.Up to that point, the Canadians had barely allowed a shot on goal for the U.S. through 10 minutes of the period. It looked like Team USA was toast, but they werent done yet.With 3:34 remaining in regulation, Milano picked up another a sist when he forced a turnover and found Hudson Fasching in open ice. The big forward from the University of Minnesota dished a perfect pa s to Dylan Larkin who had an easy tap-in to make it 3-2. GIF via @PeteBlackburnThe Americans kept pre sing, but when Alex Tuchs shot was blocked, DeAngelo couldnt keep in a clearing attempt. He then sent an ill-advised pa s to the middle of the ice where Reinhart collected it and put the puck in the empty net. That made it 4-2 and looked like the game was over.It wasnt for Larkin though as he Eric Sogard Jersey streaked down the right wing and wired a wrist shot past Eric Comrie just 12 seconds later, giving the U.S. hope with 42 seconds remaining.Team USA came close again as 17-year-old Auston Matthews nearly tapped a puck past Comrie, but another turnover led to an empty-netter for Domi with four seconds to play and that sealed it. The win gave Canada first place in the group, with the U.S. having to settle for second. That means Canada will draw Denmark in the quarterfinals, while the U.S. meets Ru sia. Finishing in second place is not exactly ideal when you consider that as the matchup in an elimination game.Analysis: Canada controlled the game at even strength for good stretches that kept the U.S. on their heels. The Americans couldnt sustain the pace Canada wanted to play, which led to a lot of loose-puck battles won by Canada. The Americans did well to keep it close at various times, but Demko came up huge often. Canadas D was very strong led by Darnell Nurse and Madison Bowey. They didnt allow a ton of quality chances there. The U.S. can take some solace in their effort late in the game, but if they manage to get a rematch, its going to take a heck of a lot more to knock off this strong Canadian group that has been the tournament's best team by a mile.McDavid vs. Eichel Update: The two guys with all eyes on them each finished with an a sist in the contest. There were good flashes from both, but neither dominated much at all as may have been expected. Its hard to remember that the WJC is a tournament where 19-year-old players tend to shine with their physical maturity and experience. Both players acquitted themselves well in a very tight game, but neither saw the ice at the same time very much. It certainly wasnt the pre-draft showcase NHL fans would hope for, but it was a decent appetizer. Player notesMax Domi: The Arizona Coyotes first-rounder nearly made the NHL club this year, but he was sent back to junior. Hes been one of the best players in the entire tournament and showed why once again against the U.S. His speed and skill, along with good physical strength for a smaller player, makes him so tough to contain. His first goal came after he shrugged off 6-foot-4 defenseman Brandon Carlo. Perhaps Arizona Jonathan Villar Jersey sent him back to junior with the World Juniors in mind. If so, Domi is delivering.Sam Reinhart: Most of the times Jack Eichel was on the ice, so was Reinhart. The No. 2 overall pick from last year was rock solid with a goal and two a sists. He very easily could have been Canadas player of the game, but the nod went to Domi. Reinhart also won 18 of 23 draws and was excellent at both ends of the ice.Darnell Nurse: The probably could use this guy right now. Nurse played a mans game against the U.S. and was a factor at both ends of the ice. He saw a ton of ice time and played well physically against a U.S. team that was trying to generate speed. Canadas D was a major factor in this game and Nurse was probably the best of the bunch. Thatcher Demko: The U.S. goalie was only between the pipes for three of the five goals against and he made 40 saves. His performance in the first period kept the game close and gave the U.S. a good chance. He could have used a lot more help from his D on the two even-strength goals and did allow one on the power play. Even in a lo s, the Americans can be confident in Demko going forward.Dylan Larkin: For the second straight game, Larkin put two pucks in the net and was a factor due to his speed and ability to Yasmani Grandal Jersey get behind the defense. He has seven points through four games and has consistently been Team USAs most reliable forward.