The top spot was clinched when Gabrielle Daleman finished third behind Russia's Alina Zagitova and American Mirai Nagasu in the women's event. That gave Canada 63 points to 58 for the Russians with only the ice dance remaining. The Russians could only pick up a maximum of four points in that discipline.
Just before Daleman's clincher, Patrick Chan won the men's free skate against a weakened field, and with a mediocre performance.
Regardless, Canada's quest for a medal its skaters said they set about winning ever since they wound up second in Sochi was complete with one program remaining.