Russia reclaims ice hockey throne after thrashing Slovakia (PHOTOS)

The Red Machine has destroyed surprise package Slovakia in the World Championships final, 6-2, to clinch the third ice hockey world title in five years and make sure the Russian fans won't let Helsinki sleep this night.

Aleksandr Semin set the score at one apiece after Slovak iconic captain Zdeno Chara stunned the Russians early into the game. And right after the interval Aleksandr Perezhogin, Aleksey Tereshchenko and again Aleksandr Semin helped the Russians put their noses infront.

Early in the third period, Pavel Datsyuk put the game's outcome beyond any doubt making the most of his teammates' effort and forcing the Slovaks to substitute their goalie.  

Slovakia didn't give up though and with ten minutes left to play Zdeno Chara reduced the deficit to three goals after converting a powerplay. But it was the tournament's MVP Evgeny Malkin, who scored the last goal and drove the final nail into the Slovak coffin – 6-2.

Hundreds of Russian ice hockey fans flocked to Finland to witness their team’s final World Championships battle against Slovakia. On Saturday, Malkin, Ovechkin and Co. destroyed hosts Finland in the semis and only Slovak miracle can now deprive them of the title.

Russia were the overwhelming favorites. They sealed back-to-back titles in 2008 and 2009, and the dream team are aiming to regain the world crown on the Finnish ice.

The Red Machine became the only unbeaten team in this year's tournament, but Slovakia seemed a hard nut to crack going onto the final game. They claimed their only world title by defeating Russia in the final a decade ago, and this time, having knocked out the likes of Canada and the Czech Republic, were raving to conjure up yet another upset.

Earlier in the day, the Czech Republic staved off a late comeback by Finland to win 3-2 and seal the bronze medal, which means co-hosts Finland finished outside the podium after relinquishing last year's crown.

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Pavel Datsyuk, Alex Ovechkin (L) and Aleksandr Semin celebrate after scoring team Russia's first goal (RIA Novosti / Alexey Filippov)

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Slovak goalie Jan Laco capitulates (RIA Novosti / Alexey Filippov)

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Russian defenseman Evgeny Medvedev battling with Slovak Libor Hudecek (RIA Novosti / Alexey Filippov)

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RIA Novosti / Alexey Filippov

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RIA Novosti / Alexey Filippov

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RIA Novosti / Grigoriy Sokolov

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Alex Ovechkin plays against Zdeno Chara (RIA Novosti / Grigoriy Sokolov)

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RIA Novosti / Alexey Filippov

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RIA Novosti / Grigoriy Sokolov