Four more games took place on Tuesday, and we got some clarity on the standings, especially in Group B which finished play. We know that the United States will face Italy, but other than that, we do not know much, except that Switzerland will finish in the bottom of Group A.
Sweden 4, Japan 0 (Group B)
Sweden scored just 5:25 into the game, and rolled the rest of the way. Japan started their backup goaltender Riko Kawagushu, who was making her first start of the tournament, and she allowed four goals on 26 shots. Then they put in their third-string goaltender Rei Halloran for the final 13:18, who stopped all five of the shots against her.
Josefin Bouveng had a goal and an assist for Sweden.
Germany 2, Italy 1 (Group B)
Laura Kluge scored with 1:29 remaining in the third period to give Germany a big 2-1 regulation win over Italy, earning them second spot in Group B. The game was tied at 1-1 with both goals scored in the second period.
Justine Reyes scored for Italy.
Sandra Abstreiter made 23 saves in the win. Emily Nix had the other German goal.
USA 5, Canada 0 (Group A)
It was one of the ugliest losses for Canada ever, and especially at the Olympics, as they just could not get anything going without Marie-Philip Poulin and the Americans had their way.
Hannah Bilka had two goals, Caroline Harvey had a goal and two assists, while Abbey Murphy had three assists. Laila Edwards and Kirsten Simms had the other goals.
Ann-Renée Desbiens was pulled in the third period after allowing five goals on 27 shots. Emerance Maschmeyer stopped all six shots she faced in relief.
If Canada wanted to send a message without their captain, it certainly wasn’t the one they wanted to make.
There is still one preliminary game left for Canada, and then two additional games they would have to win before getting a potential rematch with the Americans.
Aerin Frankel made 20 saves for the shutout. Laura Stacey led Canada with four shots on goal.
Finland 3, Switzerland 1 (Group A)
Finland opened the scoring in the second period with goals from Vivvi Vainikka and Julia Liikala. Switzerland pushed back with a shorthanded goal from Alina Müller, but just 35 seconds later, Finland restored the two-goal lead with a goal from Sanni Vanhanen.
Sanni Ahola made 13 saves. Saskia Maurer made 28 for Switzerland.
Canada will now need at least a point against Finland on Thursday to ensure a top-two finish.
Up Next
Wednesday will be the opening of the men’s preliminary round with a pair of Group B games. Juraj Slafkovský and Slovakia opening against Finland and Oliver Kapanen (it remains to be seen if Kapanen is in the lineup) at 10:40 Eastern followed by Sweden and Italy at 3:10 Eastern.
