Svensson Traff Blocks 20 Shots in Sweden’s Olympic Hockey Win Over Japan
Sweden’s women’s hockey team secured an impressive 4-0 victory over Japan, with Ebba Svensson Traff earning her first Olympic shutout. This victory allowed Sweden to finish the preliminary round of the Milan Cortina Games with a perfect record of four wins.
Svensson’s Stellar Performance
Ebba Svensson Traff showcased her skills by blocking 20 shots during the match. Her performance was pivotal in ensuring Sweden’s Group B champion status. Sweden dominated their opponents throughout the tournament, outscoring them 18-2 over four games.
Goals and Key Players
- Josefin Bouveng contributed significantly with one goal and one assist.
- Hanna Thuvik, Mira Hallin, and Hanna Olsson also found the net.
Despite the victory, Sweden faced an injury scare when forward Hilda Svensson left the game early due to a fall. Her status remains uncertain, adding tension to the team’s expectations as they prepare for the quarterfinals.
Looking Ahead
The quarterfinal matchups will feature Sweden facing the third seed from Group A. The teams from Group A, which include strong contenders like Canada and the United States, will determine their rankings later today. Sweden aims to carry their momentum into the next phase of the tournament.
Japan’s Struggles
Japan concluded their Olympic campaign with a 1-3 record, securing their only win against France. This result marked Japan’s lowest finish in Olympic history, coming after a sixth-place finish at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Group B Standings Summary
| Team | Games Played | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 4 | 4 | 0 | 12 |
| Germany | 4 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
| Italy | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Japan | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sweden as they prepare to compete for a medal. Their young roster, featuring several players aged 22 and under, is proving to be formidable.
