OLYMPICS: Ice hockey-Czechs get off the mark as Sweden sail into quarters

MILAN – The Czech Republic earned their first Group A win of the Olympic women’s ice hockey tournament with a 2-0 victory over Finland on Sunday, while Sweden secured a quarterfinal spot with a 4-0 win against France in Group B at Milano Rho Arena.

Czech Republic Edges Past Finland

Both Finland and the Czech Republic had challenging starts to the Games. The Czechs lost their opener 5-1 to the United States and then fell 4-3 in a shootout to Switzerland. Finland’s first match was postponed after four players tested positive for norovirus, followed by a 5-0 loss to the U.S. on Saturday.

On Sunday, the Czechs took an early lead in the third minute when Tereza Pistekova stole the puck in the neutral zone and lifted a shot over the Finnish goalie. Less than a minute later, Finland was penalized for hooking, but managed to kill the penalty.

Finland later pressured the Czechs while they were shorthanded, but goaltender Klara Peslarova held firm. Near the end of the opening period, Natalie Mlynkova scored to make it 2-0, blasting the puck into the roof of the net.

Peslarova made a key save early in the second period to deny Michelle Karvinen on a Finnish breakaway. Finland pulled their goalie in the final two minutes but could not score.

The U.S. tops Group A with six points after two games, followed by the Czech Republic with four points. Canada has three points from one game, Switzerland has two, and Finland has yet to earn a point. All five teams will advance to the last eight, with seedings determined by preliminary round standings.

Sweden Dominates France

Sweden remains perfect in Group B with nine points from three matches, while Germany, Japan, and Italy each have three points. France is last with zero points after three defeats. The top three in the group will advance to the quarterfinals.

Sweden struck early, scoring three goals in the first period. Thea Johansson, Sara Hjalmarsson, and Hanna Thuvik all found the net, with Johansson opening the scoring in the fourth minute from Hilda Svensson’s pass. Lisa Johansson added a fourth goal at the start of the second period.

France committed several penalties, including tripping and illegal hits, but Sweden failed to capitalize on some power plays. French fans, dressed in blue, cheered every attack and shot, keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the game.

Sweden finished strong, celebrating a 4-0 victory as the final buzzer sounded. Sweden will face Japan in their final preliminary match on Tuesday, while France will meet Germany on Monday.

-Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Alison Williams and Ken Ferris/Reuters