The Women’s Ice Hockey tournament at the XXIV Olympic Winter games continued. The final two Quarterfinal games were played. Finland played Japan. ROC (Russia) played Switzerland. The United States eliminated the Czech Republic in one of the other Quarterfinal games. Canada beat Sweden in the other Quarterfinal game. The United States and Canada have moved on to the Semifinals. Czech Republic and Sweden have been eliminated. I wanted to get this out yesterday but didn’t have time.
ROC (Russia) vs Switzerland. It was 0-0 after the first period. Switzerland scored the games opening goal 14 minutes into the second period. ROC (Russia) would respond late in the second period. It was 1-1 after the second period. 7 minutes into the third period Switzerland would take the lead. ROC (Russia) would tie the game again with 4 minutes to go in the game. Switzerland would respond with a goal about 30 seconds later. ROC (Russia) would pull their goalie with about 30 seconds to go. Switzerland would score the empty netter goal to take a two goal lead. That would secure their victory. The final score was 2-4 Switzerland.
Switzerland pulled off the upset. After a rough start to their tournament Switzerland has a chance to medal. It was close game for the most part. That was expected as both teams were from the bottom of Group A. ROC (Russia) had an easy time beating Switzerland earlier during the group stage. ROC (Russia) have been eliminated. Switzerland will now advance to the Semifinals.
Finland blew out Japan. Japan came into their Quarterfinal matchup after winning Group B. Finland was third in Group A. Finland went up 2-1 after the first period. Finland then expanded their lead by two goals in the second period. In the third period Finland scored three more goals. The final was 7-1 Finland.
Finland showing that they are medal contenders in this one. Japan fell flat. I thought Japan might roll through Finland. The opposite happened. Finland demolished Japan. Japans hopes for a medal are over. Japan has been eliminated. Finland has advanced to the Semifinals and now has a chance to medal.
Here are the final group standings. Canada won Group A. Japan won Group B.
Below is the current bracket. The Semifinals will start tonight. Of the final four teams all of them are Group A teams. The winners will be in the gold medal match. The losers will face off in the bronze medal match.
Canada beat Switzerland 12-0 to open up the tournament. Will Canada roll through Switzerland agin? What surprises does Switzerland have for Canada if any? The United States beat Finland 5-2 in the group stage. Will the United States find an easy win? Will Finland find a way to beat one of the top two teams in the sport?
Zac Electrifly 