Canada stayed on course for a second consecutive world championship triumph when they fought back to beat the United States 4-3 and set up a clash against Finland in Sunday's final.

Canada, looking to become the first nation to retain the title since Russia in 2009, were 2-0 up after the first period of their semifinal in Moscow before the US surged back to lead 3-2.

Ryan Ellis grabbed the decisive goal with a slapshot into the top-right corner early in the third rubber.

Hosts Russia, the 2014 winners, took an early lead in their semifinal against Finland through Sergei Shirokov.

But the Finns rallied to turn the match around thanks to two goals from Sebastian Aho and another from Jussi Jokinen.

Finland, who won their second and most recent title in 2011, comfortably repelled Russia's attempts at a comeback, with goaltender Mikko Koskinen barely troubled in the final rubber.

"It was a huge game for us and we did everything right," Finland's Topi Jaakola said. "We try to play better and better in every game and we're set to keep on doing that."

idr/SID/DPA/AP