Olympic Women’s Hockey 2026: Key Standouts from February 8
The women’s hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics is heating up as teams navigate the final days of the preliminary round. With crucial quarterfinal positions on the line, every game counts. Here’s a recap of the significant events from Day 4 of the competition.
February 8 Highlights: Olympic Women’s Hockey 2026
Sweden Dominates France: 4-0
- Sweden outshot France 49-14 in a commanding victory.
- Thea Johansson scored her fourth goal of the tournament.
- Emma Söderberg achieved her first Olympic shutout.
- France’s goaltender, Philbert, made a tournament-high of 45 saves.
Sweden’s strong performance featured multiple scorers including Sara Hjalmarsson and Hanna Thuvik. With this win, Sweden improves to 3-0-0, securing a potential first-place finish in Group A if Japan loses against Italy. France is now almost eliminated from quarterfinal contention following this defeat.
Key Players for Sweden
- Hilda Svensson: The young forward provided two assists, showcasing her skills.
- Hanna Thuvik: Known for her aggressive playing style, she continues to make an impact.
- Lisa Johansson: Contributed a goal and an assist while racking up four points overall.
Czechia vs. Finland: A 2-0 Shutout
The Czech team claimed victory over Finland, scoring two early goals. Tereza Pistekova opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, followed by Natalie Mlynkova sealing the win with her second tournament goal.
Notable Performances
- Klara Peslarova (Czechia): Recorded 25 saves to secure the shutout.
- Natalie Mlynkova: With two goals in the tournament, she remains a key player for Czechia.
- Elisa Holopainen (Finland): Led her team with five shots on goal, demonstrating her offensive potential.
Finland failed to find the back of the net for the second consecutive game, leading them to find a win in their next match against Switzerland if they wish to remain competitive for a quarterfinal spot.
Upcoming Matches
- Sweden will face Japan on Tuesday.
- Czechia will have a crucial match against Canada on Monday.
- Finland will play against Switzerland, aiming for their first win.
As the tournament progresses, teams will continue to battle for crucial positions ahead of the knockout stages. The upcoming games promise to be exciting as nations vie for Olympic glory in women’s hockey.
