Russia wins world hockey championship

Russia won the world championship Sunday by defeating Slovakia 6-2 in Helsinki. Alexander Semin of the Washington Capitals scored two goals and had an assist in the rout. Russia scored three times in the second period to take control. Alexander Pereszhogin, Alexei Tereshenko, Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk and tournament MVP Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins scored the other goals, with Datsyuk and Alexander Ovechkin of the Capitals assisting on two. Slovakia defender Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins scored both of his nation’s goals, one on a blast from the blue line, the other from close range. Russia, the champion in 2008 and 2009, returned to the title after finishing fourth last year. – Associated Press