Women's Final Tournament Scores and Results

Here's a look at the full Women's Tournament for the Scores, Standings and Results for the 2010 Women's Olympic Tournament. I will provide final comments and thoughts soon as we wrap up the Women's Tournament and get ready for the Men's Semifinals and Medal Round coming up this weekend.

Congrats to Team Canada for winning Gold for the 3rd straight Olympics. The U.S.A. played very well in getting the Silver Medal. Also to the Finns who ended the Olympic Medal Drought that had lasted since 1998.

The Updated World Rankings will be used to determine who will play in the 2011 World Women's Hockey Championship which will be played in early 2011 where the host city has yet to be determined. Also the tournament has been reduced from 9 to 8 teams and will go back to the old format it was before the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.

Here's the Tournament Divisons and Groups for the 2010-2011 season. The schedules and Sites will be announced during the off season.

WWC: U.S.A., Canada, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Switzerland.

Division 1: Japan, China, Germany, Norway, Austria, Latvia

Division 2: Czech Republic, France, North Korea, Great Britain, Italy, Denmark

Division 3: Netherlands, Australia, Slovenia, Croatia, Belgium, Hungary


Group Stage

Group A Standings

1. Canada 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 41-2

2. Sweden 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 10-15

3. Switzerland 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 6-15

4. Slovakia 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 4-29


Group A Results

2/13: Sweden 3 Switzerland 0 (1-0, 1-0, 1-0)

2/13: Canada 18 Slovakia 0 (7-0, 6-0, 5-0)

2/15: Switzerland 1 Canada 10 (0-2, 1-3, 0-5)

2/15: Sweden 6 Slovakia 2 (3-2, 1-0, 2-0)

2/17: Canada 13 Sweden 1 (5-0, 7-0, 1-1)

2/17: Slovakia 2 Switzerland 5 (1-0, 0-1, 1-4)


Group B Standings

1. U.S.A. 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 31-1

2. Finland 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 7-8

3. Russia 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 3-19

4. China 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 3-16


Group B Results

2/14: U.S.A. 12 China 1 (5-0, 3-0, 4-1)

2/14: Finland 5 Russia 1 (1-1, 2-0, 2-0)

2/16: Russia 0 U.S.A. 13 (0-5, 0-7, 0-1)

2/16: Finland 2 China 1 (0-1, 2-0, 0-0)

2/18: U.S.A. 6 Finland 0 (4-0, 1-0, 1-0)

2/18: China 1 Russia 2 (0-0, 1-2, 0-0)


Tournament Placement

2/20: Switzerland 6 China 0 (2-0, 2-0, 2-0)

2/20: Russia 4 Slovakia 2 (2-0, 1-1, 1-1)


5th Place Game

2/22: Switzerland 2 Russia 1 (SO) (0-1, 1-0, 0-0, 0-0, 1-0)

7th Place Game

2/22: China 3 Slovakia 1 (0-1, 1-0, 2-0)


Semifinals

2/22: U.S.A. 9 Sweden 1 (2-0, 3-1, 4-0)

2/22: Canada 5 Finland 0 (2-0, 1-0, 2-0)


Bronze Medal Game

2/25: Finland 3 Sweden 2 (OT) (0-0, 2-1, 0-1, 1-0)


Gold Medal Game

2/25: Canada 2 U.S.A. 0 (2-0, 0-0, 0-0)


Final Tournament Results:

1. Canada

2. U.S.A.

3. Finland

4. Sweden

5. Switzerland

6. Russia

7. China

8. Slovakia

Updated World Ranking: www.iihf.com/de/channels10/olympics-2010/home/men/world-ranking.html

Canadian Women use 2 early goals to win 3rd straight Gold Medal

Canadian Olympic Rookie Marie-Philip Poulin used 2 goals in the first 10 minutes to help the Canadians win their 3rd straight Olympic Women's Gold Medal over the U.S.A. and by doing so, have overtaken the U.S.A. for the top spot in the Women's World Rankings.

After the 2 goals were scored in the first 10 minutes, Goalie Shannon Szabados used a great performance by stopping all 28 U.S.A. shots to keep the Americans off the scoreboard as Canadian domination of this tournament since 2002. The U.S.A.'S only Women's Gold came in the inaugural tournament back in 1998.

In a game that had the physicality and the exicment of the Men's Prelim Round Game last weekend, the best Women's Teams in the World didn't disappointment the fans of both sides to give the game that fans of the U.S.A. and Canada deserve for the Gold Medal.

However, as we end another Women's Olympic Tournament. What should the U.S.A and Canada when it comes down to helping teams from around the world improve their game to make this tournament more competitive.

Do these players have an obligation to help young girls take up the sport around the world, or is that the responsibility of their own national team federations to help them out to make this tournament more competitive in the near future in both the Women's World Championship and the Olympics?

One thing that could help is the recent creation of the World Junior Women's Championship where this can help increase the number of players, especially at the younger age groups where you have very few Major College Teams and no Junior Leagues or teams at all.

Even though the tournament has only been around for 2 years, they has been some success already. The Czech Republic was able to medal at the first event in 2008 and then got back to the Bronze Medal Game back last year where they lost to Sweden is a very close game.

Also some of the lower seeded games have been greatly competitive such as all 4 of the placement games being 1 goal games last year, including 3 of them going to OT, so hopefully this can be a huge step forward for the Women's Game, especially for the younger players looking to play at the Olympics and WWC.

Also last year was the first year to include a Division 1 Tournament with the winner getting promoted to this year's tournament. This is good news because it was recommended that the IIHF wait 3 years before adding a Division 1 Tournament for new teams to have a shot at competing and getting promoted to the Main Event which will be in Chicago this season in March.

Canada VS. U.S.A. Women's Gold Medal Game Photos: www.iihf.com/de/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/CAN%20-%20USA%20%28F%29.html

Canada VS. U.S.A. Women's Gold Medal Game Summary: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/womens-gold-medal-game---game-20_ihw400101Cf.html

From Andrew Ponieks of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Marie-Phillip Poulin scored two first-period goals to lead Canada to a 3rd straight Olympic Gold Medal in a 2-0 win over the United States. Shannon Szabados was nothing short of brilliant in goal for the Canadians, stopped all 28 shots.

"We trusted in ourselves," said veteran forward Jennifer Botterill. "Steve Yzerman came and spoke to us before the game, and that was one of the biggest pieces of advice: to trust yourself. We were excited, but had confidence all the preparation we did."

Coming into this game, Szabados had exactly two games of top-level experience under her belt, both here in Vancouver over the last two weeks. The game was watched by Wayne Gretzky and Prime Minister Stephen Harper as well as a full complement of both the Men's and Women's Teams from Canada and the U.S.A.

"I'm proud and very honored to be Canadian," said Meghan Agosta, the MVP of these Olympics. "To represent your country in Canada is honor and of itself. We had no doubt that if we played hard and worked together that we would be successful."

Coach Melody Davidson gave Szabados the surprise start despite many years of experience in Kim St. Pierre resume. Six minutes into the game, Szabados proved her worth in the first period-but not the last-time, making a huge glove save and ripped a wrist shot to the glove side, the game's first good scoring chance.

"Team Canada's a great team," said American Hilary Knight. "It just shows their perseverance. We had tons of opportunities tonight and couldn't capitalize. Hats off to Szabados for doing a great job. The puck didn't bounce our way, but she did a great job."

Indeed, while Canada's men's had been scrutinized for the intense pressure they had felt, the women, with mostly easy games so far, hadn't faced any. But they started this game nervously and tentatively. Midway through the period skated their way into a more confident team, drawing a couple of penalties but unable to capitalize.

Then it was Canada that took the quick penalties, creating a five-on-three for the Americans for 38 seconds. Szabados was sensational, and Wickenheiser made an heroic sliding block of a hard shot to keep the U.S.A. at bay. Soon after the team were playing at full strength, Canada struck. Jennifier Botterill took a loose puck along the left boards and swept a pass to Poulin in the slot. Poulin ripped a one timer over the glove of Jessie Vetter at 13:05.

Poulin got her second goal of the period at 16:50. This came off a faceoff deep in the U.S.A. end to the left of Vetter. She won a draw to winger Meghan Agosta. but the weak backhander was easily blocked. The puck came back right back to Poulin, however, and she drilled a low shot to the glove shot which Vetter couldn't reach.

"Poulin's just a little sniper," said Botterill. "You try to get her the puck, and she gets off some good shots."

It was a fast and furious period marked by a great scoring chances. The big difference was Szabados at one end and Canada's ability to nail its chances at the other. The Americans came out as a determined group and spent most of the first 90 seconds of the 2nd period in Canada's end, generating some good chances but not able to beat Szabados.

Canada then incurred two delay of game penalties within a span of 23 seconds, but the penalty killers during the 1:38 two man advantage was amazing. They blocked passing lanes, got sticks and bodies in the way of shots, and had Szabados as a surperb last line of defense.

"Szabados played great", said Lamoureux. "She stole the game for us." We had two 5-on-3's and we just couldn't bury the puck. They had blocked a lot of shots. We had rebounds to capitalize and made some great saves, I tip my hat to her. She played awesome."

The rest of the period featured spectacularly exciting, and end-to-end action. Both goalies had several close calls, the glove of Szabados often made the difference. Both teams also had their chances with the man advantage, and nearly the end of the period each team had a power play which has spent almost entirely in the offense zone. But, after 40 heart-pounding minutes, Poulin's two goals were still the only ones on record.

Canada's outlet passing and poise under pressure were impressive, and the team was able to contain the speed of the Americans for the most part, keeping their fleet-of-foot forwards on the outside. The Americans still generated their fair share of chances, and with a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes to play (or more), this game's results was by no means secure.

It was clear from the drop of the puck to start the 3rd period that Canada wasn't about to gamble, knowing that the Americans had to start taking chances. Szabados made another sensational save near the seven minute marks. The Canadian Defense made a dangerous clearing right through its own crease and the puck bounced off Monique Lamoureux's skate and headed right between the legs of the goalie until she squeezed the pads together.

The pace never let up, but the Canadians played brilliant defense and maintained their composure until the final horn when Canada Hockey Place erupted into a deafening moment of joy. Canada has won gold for the 3rd straight Olympic Games. While the U.S.A. has won Silver for the 2nd time (2002).

"This is definitely my last Olympic Games." Becky Kellar said, "and this is a good way to go out. It felt like a dream to be out there with that many people in the stands."

Women's Gold Medal Preview

Usually we would have the Men's Semifinals first as we are down the Final 4 of the Men's Tournament. But today, with the Women's Gold Medal Game coming up tonight between the U.S.A. and Canada.

As the only nations to ever win gold medals at the Women's Olympic Tournament and the Women's World Hockey Championship back in 1998. These teams have had some great matches over the years and have played for numerous medals over the years. Canada has won Olympic Gold the last 2 Olympics in 2006 and 2002.

However, the U.S.A. has won the Women's World Hockey Championship the last 2 seasons. In addition, 3 years ago, the IIHF created the World Junior Women's Championships where Team U.S.A. has beaten Canada in the first 2 years of the tournament's history, and look to make 3 in a row when the 3rd annual event takes place in March with the tournament taking place in Chicago this season coming up in March.

Women's Gold Medal Game

U.S.A. VS. Canada 5:00 PM @ Canada Hockey Place

With both teams dominating this tournament, even against their Northern European Rivals Sweden and Finland who usually have been able to challenge them in the Olympics and Women's World Championship.

Both Final Group Stage Games were used as the U.S.A. have been better on the defense and goaltending while Canada has been better on the barnstorming of the opponents was held by Sweden a little bit better as the U.S.A has been able to have shutouts over Russia and Finland during the Group Stage.

Then in the Semifinals was able to keep the Swedes to just one goal and that came pretty late in the game.

In the Goaltending battle will be the area where this game will come down who can stay more focused as both goalies haven't been that busy during this tournament in any of the 4 games that have been played for both teams.

Jesse Vetter has a 0.33 GAA and only has allowed 1 goal in this tournament while Canada has decided to play their different goalies Kim St. Pierre or Shannon Szabados that will get the start. The third netminder only played in the 18-0 blowout they gave Slovakia on the opening day of the tournament.

Edge: Toss Up

Defense has been the U.S.A.'s strong suit as the Americans unlike the Canadians have been much better then the Canadians when it comes down to protecting the net when needed during the tournament. For the U.S.A, watch out for the top duo of Catlin Chow and Molly Engstrom who have 8 and 7 points collectively in the tournament and have the capabilities to deliver some hits, where this is something that you don't see that much in the Women's Game.

For Canada, look for them to play a collectively team effort as the scoring hasn't been as effective for the Canadian team as the defensemen scoring hasn't been their as much as players like Phillip-Marie Poulin who leads the defense with 5 points.

In Women's Hockey, Defense scoring is a much bigger part of the game because of the lack of hitting and fewer penalties due to the hits and fewer fights as well.

Edge: Leaning U.S.A.

Talk about score by committee, 9 of the forwards have scored at least one goal in these Olympics. Lead by Jenny Porter who has 11 points (6G 5A) along with several players who have scored 4. While every forward expect for Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiez has scored at least a point that has made it very tough for opponents to focus on a few of the players which will be a challenge for Canada. Even though Zaugg-Siergiez hasn't scored a point, she's been more of a physical presence and more of a puck mover to set up some of the forwards, so far this has been maybe the only disappointment in this tournament run.

For Canada's leading score Meghan Agosta is looking to be the first player ever to score double digit goals in the Women's Olympic Tournament in it's history. Scoring 9 goals which has included a hat trick against Slovakia in their tournament opener where they won 18-0.

Some other forwards that can light the lamp include Jayna Hefford who after scoring 3 goals and 3 assists against Slovakia has kept up her performances with 2 goals and 5 assists in the tournament. However beyond the top 2, no one has more then 3 goals in this tournament so the scoring depth may be a problem, but they can be very hard hitting and can make life for the Americans skaters very tough tonight.

Edge: Slight U.S.A.


Bottom Line: Canada may have the Defending Gold Medals. But the U.S.A. is back up after a couple of Women's World Championships and have much better young players and they have a much better all around game. As expected, this game will be close, but look for the U.S.A. to pull away late in this one.

Final Score: U.S.A. 4 Canada 2

Here's the Scores from both the U.S.A. and Canada Throughout the Tournament.

U.S.A.

Group Stage

2/14: U.S.A. 12 China 1 (5-0, 3-0, 4-1)

2/16: U.S.A. 13 Russia 0 (5-0, 7-0, 1-0)

2/18: U.S.A. 6 Finland 0 (4-0, 1-0, 1-0)


Semifinals

2/22: U.S.A. 9 Sweden 1 (2-0, 3-1, 4-0)


Canada Scores

Group Stage

2/13: Canada 18 Slovakia 0 (7-0, 6-0, 5-0)

2/15: Switzerland 1 Canada 10 (0-2, 1-3, 0-5)

2/17: Canada 13 Sweden 1 (5-0, 7-0, 1-1)

Semifinals

2/22: Canada 5 Finland 0 (2-0, 1-0, 2-0)

Twitter Updates during Olympic Quarterfinals and Tomorrow's Women's Gold Medal Game

Just like for a part of the 2nd Round Games yesterday. I will be once again be doing Twitter Updates during the Quarterfinals of today's Men's Games, then tomorrow, it's the Women's Gold Medal Game as the U.S.A. & Canada will play for the Olympic Gold for the 3rd time in the Women's Hockey Tournament History.

Today's Quarterfinals

U.S.A. VS. Switzerland 12:00 PM PST

Russia VS. Canada 4:30 PM PST

Finland VS. Czech Republic 7:00 PM PST

Sweden VS. Slovakia 9:00 PM PST


Tomorrow's Women's Gold Medal Game

U.S.A. VS. Canada 4:30 PM PST

Team Canada Shuts out Finland, To Play the U.S.A. For Gold on Thursday

After the U.S.A. crushed Sweden, Canada used the 2nd semifinal to get a shutout against Finland to play for Gold against arch rival U.S.A. for the Gold Medal on Thursday night.

From Lucas Aykroyd of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

The Canadian Women overcame a sparkling performance by Finnish Goaile Noora Raty, by winning 5-0 in Monday's 2nd Semifinal at Canada Hockey Place. The result sets up a classic U.S.A. VS. Canada Gold Medal Game on Thursday night.

Thanks to Ratys heroics, the score was closer then expected for most of the night, despite Canada's 50-11 edge in SOG. "I think it was like one of the best performances I've ever had", said Raty.

2010 marks the third time the North American Superpowers will battle for gold since Women's Hockey was introduced as an Olympic Sport back in 1998. The Americans beat Canada 3-1 that year in Nagano, while the Canadians claimed the title on Salt Lake City on 2002 with a 3-2 victory.

"It's an Olympic Final Game, and that's when we've been working toward all year," said Canada's Jennifer Botterill. "Were excited, we have a lot of work ahead of us, but we're going to enjoy it."

VS. Finland, Haley Irwin stepped up with two goals for Canada, and tournament scoring leader Meghan Agosta with 14 points (9G 5A) chipped in a goal and assist. Agosta sets a new record for most goals in One Olympic Tournament when she plotted her 9th of 2010 in the 2nd period. That surpassed retired Canadian great Danielle Goyette's mark of 8 back in 1998.

Canada is the defending Olympic Champion from Turin 2006, where it defeated Sweden 4-1 in the final. In Monday's early Semifinal, the Americans got revenge on Swedes, who knocked them out of title contention in Turin, spanking Sweden 9-1.

"In some ways, it was a little disappointing we didn't get to face the Americans in the 2006 Olympics," said Canadian veteran Jayna Hefford, who scored the gold medal winning goal in 2002. "Of course, you'll take a gold medal anyday over facing a particular team, but you know what? Canada-U.S.A. is something people love to watch and we love to play in. It's going to be a great battle on Thursday night.

Canada heads into the final with a whopping goal differential of 46-2 in 4 games so far. However, it failed to capitalize on the Power Play against Finland, even though the blue and white women took six minor penalty in the game.

"The Finns played a tough, in your face game and they were good with their sticks in the lanes," said Canadian captain Hayley Wickenheiser. "They made it hard for us to generate momentum, and their goalie was excellent. They gave us probably the best game they could with the skills they have."

"We just battled and we didn't quit," said Raty. Facing Sweden in Thursday's Bronze Medal game, will seek it's first Olympic Women's Hockey Medal since winning Bronze in 1998. The Diminutive but tenacious Finns did their best to clog up the middle and clear loose pucks out of their end, but simply couldn't generate enough offensively to support Raty's great play. They'd acknowledged before this game that ousting Canada would be a "humongous task", and it proved to be too much for them.

Finland starved off Canada's untill the 5:22 mark, when Agosta swirled around the Finnish net and centered a sweet backhand feed to Cherile Piper, who banged it past Raty. At 14:36, Just after a Finnish Penalty had expired, Haley Irwin picked up a loose puck in Raty's goal crease and shoveled it past the netminder's right skate for a 2-0 lead. The Canadians outshot Finland 15-2 in the 1st period.

The host team continued to press in the middle frame, and the Finnish netminder had to keep her best mini-Mikka Kiprusoff impression. Even though Raty Stonned Sarah Vaillancourt on a rebound at the end of an early power play and slid across to make a great glove save on Gina Kingsbury, she couldn't stop Agosta at 16:21 when the Ruthven, Ontario Native scooped in a rebound with the teams playing 4-on-4 when the buzzer sounded, the shots were 32-5 in favor of Canada.

Raty stopped Agosta on a partial breakaway early in the third period. But at 4:23, Irwin scored her 2nd of the game on a rebound that deflected in off the goalie's to make it 4-0. Wickenheiser put the puck off the post on a late solo rush. Jenni Hiirikoski was shaken up on a collision deep in the Finnish end with Gillian Apps with 4 minutes left.

Canadian Fans sang a spontaneous rendition of "O Canada" as the clock ticked down, and Caroline Ouellette rounded out the scoring with 1:03 left to make it 5-0.

With the Gold Medal Game looming, the Americans are the two time defending World Champion, but the Canada has the edge in exhibition leading up to the Vancouver Olympics.

"We know exactly what [Team USA's] motivation is going to be," said Hefford. "We've heard it many times. It's going to be Salt Lake, and it's going to be the "Miracle on Ice". Good for them, That's their experience. Our Experience as Canadian Hockey players is completely different, and we're so proud here in Canada. This crowd is giving us energy every night."

Netminder Shannon Szabados earned her first shutout of the tournament for Canada. "This team played well in front of me, and it's really exciting," said Szabados. "I didn't get many shots in the early going, which makes it tough to stay focused mentally. "You have to find ways to keep yourself occupied, because all these teams are good and they're going to get their chances eventually."

This was the third straight Olympic Semi-Final Victory for Canada over Finland. (7-3 in 2002, 6-0 in 2006).

U.S.A. Women Crush Sweden, Cruise to Gold Medal Game

After Team U.S.A. dominating performances in the Group Stage, the Americans continued their freight train to the final as the Americans made sure that a repeat of 2006 would not be in the cards as the Americans take down 9-1 to get back to the Final. The Americans will look to win their first Women's Hockey Gold Medal on Thursday night either against Canada or Finland since the tournament made its debut back in 1998.

From John Sanful of the International Ice Hockey Federation Website: www.iihf.com

Except for the possibility of facing Canada, Team U.S.A. has been awaiting this game.

Looking to avenge a 3-2 semifinal loss to Sweden at the 2006 Winter Olympics, Team U.S.A came into this game clearly motivated by the opportunity. With goals from 7 different skaters, Team U.S.A. Defeated Sweden 9-1.

The win moves Team U.S.A. into a gold medal showdown with either Canada or Finland on Thursday night at Canada Hockey Place.

We've trained hard for this and we're all fired up now that we're going to the gold medal game," said Meghan Duggan.

The 2010 U.S.A. Women's team bears no resemblance to the divided squad that was upset in Turin. This team is more focused on and committed to winning. Most important, there's no drama surrounding the team to distract from their main goal: winning.

In today's semifinal game, the Americans attack was balanced. Jenny Potter's leads the team in goal scoring but did not have to carry the offense as Monique Lamoreux had that covered. Team U.S.A. took the lead when Lamoureux, accepted a pass from Julie Chu and drove to the net.

Pernilla Winberg tried jamming in a shot but Jesse Vetter, who has been exceptional in the tournament, made the save. The Americans quickly turned things around off the transition, Lamoureux accepted a Julie Chu and made a power move to the net.

Duggan scored a power play goal off a Catlin Cahow rebound infront. The Goal came at 8:23 as Emma Eliasson was in the penalty box for body checking. Swedish goalie Kim Martin made the original save on Cahow's shot, but Duggan was there to tap the rebound home.

The Americans resumed their dominance of the Swedes in the 2nd period when Angela Ruggiero, Cahow, and Karen Thatcher added middle frame markers. Pernilla Winberg scored Sweden's only goal on the power play at 9:34 of the 2nd period.

By the 3rd period, the Americans were on top of their game. Lamoureux added two goals in the third to register a hat trick. Julie Chu, who had members of her family in attendance, and Kim Stack also tallied in the period. U.S.A has one more game, and it will be a big one.

"It is now a one game season for us, said Chu. "It will take sixty minutes of hard work and we have to get the puck to the net, but there will be no surprises. Sweden will face the loser of the Canada-Finland game in the Bronze Medal Game on Thursday afternoon.

Game Summary: www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/womens-play-offs-semifinals---game-15_ihw400201Bk.html

U.S.A. VS. Sweden Photos: www.iihf.com/de/channels10/olympics-2010/pictures/page/0/game/USA%20-%20SWE%20%28SF%29.html

Final Olympic Group Stage Standings and Knockout Round Matchups

Men's Group Stage

30 Years ago today, the Americans took down the mighty Soviet Union as the Americans found that magic to take down the Arch Rival Canada to win Group A and finish the Group Stage as the Top Team for the Knockout Round with a strong 5-3 win over the heavily favored Canadians.

It turned out to be one of the most exciting and thrilling moments of these Winter Olympics. Not just in the Hockey Tournaments, but overall as we head into the 2nd half of the Winter Olympics. Which will climate with the Gold Medal Game on Sunday as the Winter Olympics in Vancouver will come to a close.

In the Men's Group Stage. It ended with the hype called Super Sunday where arguably the top 6 teams faced off on Sunday to determine the 2nd Round Byes as Team U.S.A., Russia, Sweden and Finland finished as the top 4 teams from the Group Stage. Elsewhere, Russia used it's high octane offense to beat the Czech Republic 4-2.

Then late last night, the defending Gold Medalist Sweden with 2 goals from Dallas Stars Forward Loui Eriksson to pitch a 3-0 shutout of Northern European Rival's Finland. Despite the loss for Finland, the Finns still advanced to the Quarterfinals with a strong 2-1 record and a +6 Goal Differential which turned out to be the difference over the Czech Republic who had a +3 Goal Differential who will be the 5th seed in the 2nd Round.

The 4 2nd Round Games will take place tomorrow as the Czechs take on Latvia, Canada faces off against Germany, Slovakia will take on Norway who after a bad start against the U.S.A. and Canada, came back with a strong performance by taking the Swiss to OT. Finally, Switzerland will take on Belarus.


Here's the Scores and Final Standings for the Men's Group Stage. The Final Number after the Goal Differential is the Seeding for the Knockout Rounds.

Group A Standings

1. U.S.A. 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 14-5 +9 1

2. Canada 1-1-0-1 5 PTS 14-7 +7 6

3. Switzerland 0-1-1-1 3 PTS 8-10 -2 8

4. Norway 0-0-1-2 1 PTS 5-19 -14 10


Group A Scores

2/16: U.S.A. 3 Switzerland 1 (1-0, 2-0, 0-1)

2/16: Canada 8 Norway 0 (0-0, 3-0, 5-0)

2/18: U.S.A. 6 Norway 1 (2-0, 1-1, 3-0)

2/18: Switzerland 2 Canada 3 (SO) (0-1, 2-1, 0-0, 0-0, 0-1)

2/20: Norway 4 Switzerland 5 (OT) (1-1, 2-2, 1-1, 0-1)

2/21: Canada 3 U.S.A. 5 (1-2, 1-1, 2-1)


Group B Standings

1. Russia 2-0-1-0 7 PTS 13-6 +7 3

2. Czech Rep. 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 10-7 +3 5

3. Slovakia 1-1-0-1 5 PTS 9-4 +5 7

4. Latvia 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 4-19 -15 12


Group B Scores

2/16: Russia 8 Latvia 2 (3-0, 1-0, 4-2)

2/17: Czech Republic 3 Slovakia 1 (1-0, 2-1, 0-0)

2/18: Slovakia 2 Russia 1 (SO) (0-0, 1-0, 0-1, 0-0, 1-0)

2/19: Czech Republic 5 Latvia 2 (3-0, 1-2, 1-0)

2/20: Latvia 0 Slovakia 6 (0-3, 0-2, 0-1)

2/21: Russia 4 Czech Republic 2 (1-1, 1-0, 2-1)


Group C Standings

1. Sweden 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 9-2 +7 2

2. Finland 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 10-4 +6 4

3. Belarus 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 8-12 -4 9

4. Germany 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 3-12 -9 11


Group C Scores

2/17: Finland 5 Belarus 1 (2-0, 1-1, 2-0)

2/17: Sweden 2 Germany 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)

2/19: Belarus 2 Sweden 4 (0-2, 1-1, 1-1)

2/19: Finland 5 Germany 0 (1-0, 2-0, 2-0)

2/20: Germany 3 Belarus 5 (1-1, 0-1, 2-3)

2/21: Sweden 3 Finland 0 (1-0, 2-0, 0-0)


Teams in Bold have earned 2nd Round Byes

2nd Round Matchups (All Games are on 2/23. All Games are PST)

#8 Switzerland VS. #9 Belarus 12:00 PM PST @ Canada Hockey Place

#6 Canada VS. #11 Germany 4:30 PM PST @ Canada Hockey Place

#5 Czech Republic VS. #12 Latvia 7:00 PM PST @ UBC Thunderbird Arena

#7 Slovakia VS. #10 Norway 9:00 PM PST @ Canada Hockey Place


Quarterfinals on 2/24 Times are TBD

#1 U.S.A. VS. Switzerland/Belarus Winner

#2 Sweden VS. Slovakia/Norway Winner

#3 Russia VS. Canada/Germany Winner

#4 Finland VS. Czech Republic/Latvia Winner



Women's Group Stage

The Women's Tournament has gone straight forward as the U.S.A. and Canada have won all 3 games in huge fashion as the North American Powers outscored their opposition by a combined 72-3 in their games as the U.S.A. and Canada are expected to face off for the Gold Medal Game coming up on Thursday.

As for the rest of the field, the Sweds and Finns have come up as the Northern Euro Teams could face off for the Bronze Medal assuming no major upsets take place in Today's Semifinal Matchups.

For the 3rd and 4th place teams, a consolation Round Matchups between Russia, China, Switzerland and Slovakia who's making their debut in the Women's Olympic Hockey Tournament this year as the lowest ranked team to ever make the Women's Tournament since Women's Hockey made it's debut in 1998 in Japan.

Group A Standings

1. Canada 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 41-2 +39

2. Sweden 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 10-15 -5

3. Switzerland 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 6-15 -9

4. Slovakia 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 4-29 -25


Group A Scores

2/13: Sweden 3 Switzerland 0 (1-0, 1-0, 1-0)

2/13: Canada 18 Slovakia 0 (7-0, 6-0, 5-0)

2/15: Sweden 6 Slovakia 2 (3-2, 1-0, 2-0)

2/15: Switzerland 1 Canada 10 (0-2, 1-3, 0-5)

2/17: Canada 13 Sweden 1 (5-0, 7-0, 1-1)

2/17: Slovakia 2 Switzerland 5 (1-0, 0-1, 1-4)


Group B Standings

1. U.S.A. 3-0-0-0 9 PTS 31-1 +30

2. Finland 2-0-0-1 6 PTS 7-8 -1

3. Russia 1-0-0-2 3 PTS 3-19 -16

4. China 0-0-0-3 0 PTS 3-16 -13



Group B Scores

2/14: U.S.A. 12 China 1 (5-0, 3-0, 4-1)

2/14: Finland 5 Russia 1 (1-1, 2-0, 2-0)

2/16: Russia 0 U.S.A. 13 (0-5, 0-7, 0-1)

2/16: Finland 2 China 1 (0-1, 2-0, 0-0)

2/18: U.S.A. 6 Finland 0 (4-0, 1-0, 1-0)

2/18: China 1 Russia 2 (0-0, 1-2, 0-0)


Semifinals/ Tournament Placement

In addition to the Semifinals, the Women's Tournament does a Tournament Placement to ranks teams that finish 5-8. This is for World Ranking purposes after the Olympics are over and to determine who will roundout the field for the 2011 World Women's Hockey Championships. The Women's Semifinals will take place today to determine the Gold and Bronze Medal Games which take place on Thursday night.

Women's Semifinals

#1A Canada VS. #2B Finland 5:00 PM PST

#1B U.S.A. VS. #2A Sweden 12:00 PM PST


Women's Tournament Placement

Saturday was the first Round of the Tournament Placement for the 3rd and 4th place teams that will round out teams ranked #5-#8. The two third Place Teams as Russia and Switzerland came out with big victories and will play for 5th place. As for the 2 4th Place Teams as Slovakia and China will play for 7th and 8th place coming up.


2/20: Switzerland 6 China 0 (2-0, 2-0, 2-0)

2/20: Russia 4 Slovakia 2 (2-0, 1-1, 1-1)

2/22, 5th Place Game: Switzerland VS. Russia 7:00 PM PST

2/22, 7th Place Game: China VS. Slovakia 2:00 PM PST

U.S.A. Women's Blow's Out Russia

For the 2nd straight game, the American Women have taken another strong step towards getting back to the Olympic Gold Medal with their 2nd straight Double Digit Victory. In their opener against China, they won 12-1, this time against Russia, it's a 13-0 win over a Russian Team that was hoping to win the Bronze Medal. Next up is Finland that will determine who the Americans Semifinal Matchup will be, it will either by Sweden or Canada whose the top 2 in the other group in this tournament.

From the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Website. http://www.iihf.com/

In 1980 Mark Johnson helped make life difficult for the Soviets in helping Team U.S.A. to one of the biggest upsets in sports history. Today as Women's Team Head Coach, his U.S.A. Women's team was equally unkind, beating Russia in a rout.

For the second straight time, Team U.S.A won in a blowout, by defeating Russia 13-0 in the Women's Prelim Round. Led by Jenny Potter's hat trick and Natalie Darwitz's two goals, the Americans remained undefeated. Russia has not won a game yet.

Today, the American Women put on an offensive display that rivals what the Canadians have done so far at the UBC Thunderbird Arena. Team U.S.A. has scored 25 goals in the 2 games so far.

"We wanted to focus on a few things, but mostly winning and keeping the puck out of our net." Said Jenny Porter.

Monique Lamoreaux scored the only goal the Americans needed at 2:19 of the first period. Lamoreaux intercepted a clearing attempt and weaved through the defense and let go of a wrist shot that beat Goaltender Anna Prugova between the pads.

At 5:48 Holly Knight blocked a shot and sent an outlet pass up to Potter in stride. Potter's wrist shot beat Prugova. The goal was shorthanded with :43 remaining on a penalty to Caitlin Cahow who was called off the interference.

In the third period Prugova was busy facing seventeen shots. Karen Thatcher, Cahow and Potter once again would add goals to comfortably put the U.S.A. up 5-0. While the Americans were dominant, the Russians did not help their cause by taking some penalties. Six of the 13 goals scored on the PP. Head Coach Valentin Gureev could only watch from the bench as his team was overmatched in every aspect the game.

When Natalie Darwitz scored his 2nd goal of the 2nd period, Gureev lifted Prugova from the game and inserted Mariya Onolbaeva. Potter greeted Onolbaev :46 later by scoring her third goal of the afternoon.

By the third period the Russians were visibly frustrated. Matters were not helped when Alena Khomich deflected a Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej shot into Russia's net. Zaugg-Siergiej received credit for the goal, her first of the Olympic Tournament.

Russia showed some signs of life late in the 2nd period and in spots over the third but could not sustain any pressure on Jessie Vetter who faced just 7 shots in the game. When they did the crowd, a mix of Canadian and American Fans, cheered loudly in support of Russia's effort.

"They played their hearts out," said Anglea Ruggiero, who scored a 2nd period goal. "I respect them deeply and hope the Russian Federation sees the potential for the Women's Program.

The Americans are firing on all offensive cylinders and getting important production from key players. Potter has been an offensive force here in Vancouver. She's recorded six goals, which leads all scorers. Holly Knight added four assists in the game giving her 5 so far in the tournament.

They will close out Group Round play on Thursday against Finland. Russia will be looking for it's first win against China.

"Our goal is to get through this round," said Darwitz. "We have an important game against Finland and that is what we are now concentrating on".

Game Report:
www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-hockey/schedule-and-results/womens-preliminary-round---group-b-game-7-_ihw400b03WE.html

U.S.A. Women's Olympic Roster

For Team U.S.A. they come into Vancouver 2010 as the defending Bronze Medalist and it marked the first time in the Women's Olympic Hockey Tournament History where U.S.A. and Canada didn't play each other for the Championship.

The USA will be favorites to win the group and get back to the final, but the Women's field is getting deeper all the time and it's getting tougher with Olympic Tournament and Women's World Championship.

This time, the USA will face Finland, Russia and China as they are expected to get by Russia and China, but the challenge will come in Finland as they will look to get back on the Medal Podium since finishing 3rd in 1998.

The USA has an impressive list of talented players and that have won a lot of events at the International and NCAA levels in the U.S.A. Here's a list of achievements that the USA has on this roster who's looking to reclaim the gold medal for the first time since the first ever Women's Olympic Tournament back in 1998.

Here's the USA Women's Team Group Stage Schedule

2/14: VS. China

2/16: VS. Russia

2/18: VS. Finland

• 6 Previous Olympians
• 19 World Champions
• 19 returnees from the 2009 U.S.A. Women's National Team
• 10 Members from the 2008-2009 U.S.A. Women's Select Team
• 8 Players that have played in the Western Women's Hockey League
• 11 NCAA Division 1 Players (2008-2009)
• 10 players that played in the 2009 NCAA Tournament
• 9 NCAA National Champions
• 7 participants in the 2009 NCAA Women's Frozen Four
• 4 Winners of the 2009 NCAA National Championship
• 3 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Recipients

Goaltenders

Brianne Mclaughlin (Robert Morris University, CHA)

Molly Schaus (Boston College, Hockey East)

Jessie Vetter (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)


Defensemen

Kacey Bellamy (University of New Hampshire, Hockey East)

Caitlin Cahow (Harvard University, ECAC)

Lisa Chesson (Ohio State, WCHA)

Molly Engstrom (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)

Angela Ruggiero (Harvard University, ECAC)

Kerry Weiland (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)


Forwards

Julie Chu (Harvard University, ECAC)

Natalie Darwitz (University of Minnesota, WCHA)

Hilary Knight (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)

Jocelyne Lamoureux (University of North Dakota, WCHA)

Erika Lawler (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)

Gigi Marvin (University of Minnesota, WCHA)

Jenny Porter (University of Minn.-Duluth, WCHA)

Kelli Stack (Boston College, Hockey East)

Karen Thatcher (Providence College, Hockey East)

Jinelle Zaugg-Siergiej (University of Wisconsin, WCHA)