The Women’s Ice Hockey tournament at the XXIV Olympic Winter games continued. There were four games played. There was plenty of action on the ice. There was plenty of action off the ice as well. Three of the four games ended with only won goal separating the winners and losers. The Canada and ROC (Russia) game was delayed by over hour. I will be getting into detail about that in this post. The United States and Canada will also be playing tonight. There is a lot of excitement for that.
Things got off to a rough start in the ROC (Russia) vs Canada game. As ROC (Russia) came out to start the game, Canada was nowhere to be found. No information was given. They announced that the game would be delayed. They did not give any details why. After awhile ROC (Russia) and the officials went back to the locker rooms. Still with no official word both teams came back out. This time everyone was wearing face masks. Players, coaches, team staff, and officials were wearing them. The teams had a short warm up and then proceeded with the game. What had happened was that ROC (Russia) had not given Canada COVID test result prior to the game. Teams are required to do so before each game. I don’t know if Canada ever got those results. I haven’t seen any reports about this following the game. Due to this the game was delayed for over an hour.
Canada took a 2-1 lead after the first period. Canada scored two more in the second but ROC (Russia) got one back. Canada scored two unanswered goals in the third period. Canada won the game 1-6.
Canada didn’t get as many shots as they had in previous games. This is the first game where Canada didn’t score double digits. Canada was able to score 3 times on the powerplay. Despite everything Canada still landed on top. ROC (Russia) took their masks off to start the third period. From the ICO and IIHF standpoint this should have been the last straw for Russia. Theres a reason they are competing as the ROC and not Russia. Then they go and break the rules by not not providing Canada with COVID results. Then they break the rules again by not wearing masks in the third period. They even go as far as to say that they will will make a formal complaint. When will enough be enough? At what point does Russia get real punishment? At what point will they be taught they can’t break the rules?
Denmark was looking to get out of last place in Group B. Czech Republic was looking to make a move towards 1st in Group B. After the first period the game was tied at 1-1. After the second period the game was tied 2-2. Denmark would score the only goal in the third to win 3-2.
Denmark got plenty of shots. They got their first win of the tournament. They put a big dent in Czech Republics plans to get into 1st in Group B. Both teams took a lot of penalties. At the end of the day Czech Republic is still in 2nd and Denmark is still in last but this will make for a wild finish Group B play.
China played Sweden. China took a one goal lead into the second period. Sweden scored 2 in the second to make it 1-2 Sweden. Neither team would score in the third.
Both teams had plenty of shots. China couldn’t continue their magic. Sweden got their first win of the tournament. They stay out of last place for the time being. They are still in an elimination spot though.
The last game of the day. Switzerland played Finland. Switzerland had a 1-0 lead after the first period. It was 2-1 Switzerland going into the third. The final score was 3-2 Switzerland.
Switzerland finds their first win of the tournament. Along with two powerplay goals. They finally stopped struggling. Finland continues to underperform. They are going to have to shake thing ups.
Here are the current group standings. Canada is on top of Group A. Japan remains on top of Group B. It’s going to be a wild finish in Group B. The battle fr first place in Group A will happen tonight.
Upcoming games:
It is the final night of group play. The United States play Canada. We are having a watch party for that tonight. USA has played the best defensive hockey of the tournament. Canada has played the best offensive hockey of the tournament. The winner will win Group A. Japan plays Czech Republic. The winner will win Group B. Sweden and Denmark are playing for the chance to stay alive. Unless the game goes to overtime the winner will move into 4th and eliminate China. Finland is playing ROC (Russia). Will Finland finally win a game? What will ROC (Russia) do after embarrassing themselves last night?
Zac Electrifly 