Day 6: Sweden and the USA Stay Undefeated

As the preliminary round counts down, quarterfinal spots are all locked up, with the only question left being the seeding of Group A. 

Starting off the day was Japan vs Sweden. Japan was looking to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive, while Sweden looked to finish the round-robin undefeated. Sweden found one early in the first to take the lead heading into the second period. Starting off the scoring in the second was Minnesota senior Josefin Bouveng to double Sweden’s lead, later in the period she got the primary assist on goal number three. Sweden struck early again in the third period to take the win 4-0, remaining undefeated in Group B. 

Up next was Italy vs Germany. Teams were playing for second place in Group B after Japan got eliminated, securing their spot in the quarterfinal as the hosts continued to make history. The goaltending was amazing throughout the game keeping it a close one. The scoring opened just into the second period with Italy finding the back of the net. Midway through the second period Germany found the answer, making a tied game. As the minutes counted down in the third period it looked like they were headed to overtime, but with just under a minute and a half remaining Laura Kluge found the game-winning goal.

Heading into the highly anticipated Canada vs USA games, Canadian Captain Marie-Philip Poulin was ruled out due to a lower body injury sustained against Czechia yesterday. The US looked to end the preliminary round undefeated and secure the top spot in Group A and they did with another dominant showing with the young players on full display. Kicking off the game was Wisconsin senior Caroline Harvey to take the early lead. Nearing the end of the period Caroline Harvey played the puck up for Abbey Murphy who missed the pass but made the most of it, passing it backhand onto the tape of Hannah Bilka to double the US lead. 

Starting off the second period Canada took an interference penalty sending the US to the powerplay and it didn’t take long for them to capitalize on the advantage with Kirsten Simms burying it in front of the net. The goal was originally called off, but after review the call was good much to Canada’s dismay, leading them to challenge the call but the goal stood which caused controversy online, with many calling it for goalie interference, though it was the least of Canada’s problems. Midway through the second Hannah Bilka found another once again off the stick of Murphy. Wrapping up the game was Laila Edwards with her first Olympic goal. Edwards made history in her Olympic debut for the US as the first black player to represent the US in Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey. 

Wrapping up the day was Finland vs Switzerland. Finland was looking to add some points before their final matchup against Canada, winning both would put them ahead of Czechia in third place. The game started slow with both goaltenders standing their ground. In the second period the scoring came to life with Finland striking early, they then doubled their lead midway through the period before Alina Müller found an answer for Switzerland, seconds later Finland added on taking a 3-1 win after a scoreless third period. 

Tomorrow the women’s preliminary round wraps up as Finland takes on Canada with seeding at stake.