Sweden center Nicklas Backstrom failed a doping test for a substance found in an allergy medication and was withdrawn from Sunday's hockey final at the Sochi Olympics. Backstrom, who plays for the Washington Capitals in the NHL, was scratched just before the game began and had to watch Sweden's 3-0 loss to Canada on TV. Sweden coach Par Marts was critical of the IOC's timing, saying Backstrom was tested in connection with the team's 5-0 win over Slovenia last Wednesday, but he was only told 20 minutes before the final that his center couldn't play. ''It's like kindergarten.'' Asked about Merts criticism of the doping process, IOC spokesman Mark Adams said, ''We will not comment on any potential process until it has concluded.'' NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly issued a statement saying the substance Backstrom tested positive for was not on the league's list of banned substances.

Sidney Crosby skated in alone on Henrik Lundqvist, faking Sweden's goalie to the ice with a textbook-quality deke and sliding a perfect backhand into the net. Canada did everything by the book at the Sochi Olympics, winning all six games with a ferocious commitment to defense and discipline. When Canada's captain finally got his first goal of the games Sunday, it had none of the dramatics of Crosby's last Olympic goal four years ago in Vancouver. Jonathan Toews scored in the first period, Carey Price made 24 saves in his second consecutive shutout, and Canada defended its Olympic men's hockey title with a 3-0 victory over Sweden.

Henrik Lundqvist already has a gold medal at home, tucked away in memory of two fantastic weeks in Turin eight years ago. Nearly half of Canada's roster has the same souvenir from Vancouver in 2010. When Sweden faces powerful Canada at the Bolshoy Ice Dome on Sunday, the golden goalie expects both teams to close the Sochi Games with performances worthy of their unbeaten runs so far on the Black Sea shore. Everybody knows what happens next, you have to live with it for four years.'' Canada is one victory away from a perfect run after dominating the rest of the world's best with depth, defense and championship experience.

Rotherham plundered three points with a 91st minute winner as Carlisle United were denied the chance of three-in-a-row victories.

Jessie Joe Parker will return to a starting role in the centres when Whitehaven bid to get off the mark in their opening home game of the Championship campaign against visitors North Wales tomorrow (3pm).