2014 Winter Olympics: shortie propels Russia to quarterfinals, Sweden joins them

At the start of the tournament, Russia and Sweden appeared poised to rise to the top of Group B. That's exactly what happened on Tuesday as both teams won to improve to 2-0 and cement their advancement to the quarterfinals. Both teams had a close call along the way, but emerged victorious. Strong goaltending and timely offense are a common theme between the two as they join the US and Canada as the only undefeated teams.

Seeding is all that is left to be determined as the two teams meet on Thursday morning (10 a.m. AZ time) to see who wins Group B and faces the last place finisher in Group A to begin the medal rounds.

Russia vs. Japan

Goals:
RUS: A. Vafina (1), T. Burina (1)

JPN: A. Toko (1)

One of the best games of the tournament thus far. Russia took the early lead only to have it snatched away from them 33 seconds into the third period. With Olga Sosina in the box for hooking and a little more than eight minutes remaining in regulation, Alexandra Vafina scored the eventual game-winning, quarterfinal-clinching, short-handed goal. Anna Prugova stopped 21-of-22 shots leading Russia to victory.

Germany vs. Sweden

Goals:
GER: None

SWE: J. Olafsson (1), C. Ostberg (1), P. Winberg (1), E. Nordin (1)

Another game, another shutout for Sweden. Sweden needed only a minute to get on the board and sealed the deal with a strong third period and great goaltending. Three goals in less than four minutes in the third period put the game out of reach and Kim Martin Hasson stopped all 21 shots she faced for Sweden's second shutout in as many games.

Current Standings

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