The American side overcame the shock of going behind early to bag six goals in the second period before they heaped more embarrassment on the Russians in a completely one-sided semi-final contest, in which Brianna Decker bagged a hat-trick.

That result will see the US get the chance to avenge their agonising overtime defeat in last year's gold medal match in Olympics to the Canadians after their North American rivals progressed to the final with a 3-0 victory over Finland.

Elsewhere, Japan's Kanae Aoki scored an overtime winner to ensure her side will compete at next year's IIHF Women's World Championship as they claimed a 2-1 win on the day and a 2-0 overall success against Germany in the best-of-three relegation play-off at Rosengårds Ishall.

The loss consigns the Germans to Division I for the first time since they were relegated in 2008.

Russia raced into a surprise lead after just 44 seconds against the United States as Iya Gavrilova managed to turn the puck home, but it was to prove a fleeting moment of joy for her side as the Americans ran riot.

Decker scored twice in quick succession to put the US in front, and it was a position they did not relinquish as they launched wave after wave of attacks.

Monique Lamoureux added a third before Hilary Knight found a rapid fourth to put the game beyond the reach of the Russians.

In the second period, they found the net with ease as Dana Trivigno swept home to make it 5-1, and shortly after it was six thanks to Alex Carpenter's rasping effort.

Canada will face the United States for the IIHF Women's World Championships title for the 16th consecutive time after they beat Finland 3-0 in their semi-final ©HHOF-IIHF



From then on in, it was a case of how many the United States could muster and further goals from Hannah Brandt, Haley Skarupa, Jocelyne Lamoureux, Emily Pfalzer, Zoe Hickel and Megan Keller made it 12-1, and in fitting fashion Decker completed the rout with her hat-trick goal.

Having seen the form of the American side earlier in the day, Canada went out with a point to prove but their performance did not quite match that of their arch-rivals.

They went in front in the first period thanks to captain Marie-Philip Poulin as she tucked in the rebound after her initial shot was saved by Finnish goalie Meeri Raisanen, who put in a superb display to keep the scoring down.

A tense passage of play followed as Canada became frustrated at not being able to add to their tally, and they were made to wait until the final period to wrap up the win as Natalie Spooner bagged a two-goal salvo to send her side into the final.

The tournament is due to conclude tomorrow with the gold medal match, which comes after Finland and Russia battle it out for bronze.

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