The first quarterfinal of the women’s hockey tournament is in the books, with Sweden edging Czech Republic 2-0 thanks to a goal in the second period from Hanna Olsson and an empty-netter from Hilda Svensson late on. Czech Republic outshot Sweden 13-5 in the third period and had two power plays but couldn’t break through.
This is ostensibly an upset, given Czech Republic were in the top-seeded Group A and Sweden were in Group B.
Sweden advances to the semifinals, where they are very likely to face Team USA, assuming the Americans take care of business today. Sweden are seeking their first medal in women’s hockey since 2006, coincidentally the last time the Winter Olympics were held in Italy.