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The IIHF women's World Championships are down to single elimination games. First up, it's the quarter-finals. With eight teams remaining after Norway and Hungary were relegated, the games get more serious.
Here's a game-by-game look at the quarterfinal match ups.
Finland vs. Sweden
In a battle between Scandinavian nations, Finland and Sweden will face-off for the opportunity to play for a medal. Finland enters as the third ranked team in Group A, while Sweden won Group B. Sweden received balanced offense in the opening round from youth like Ebba Hedqvist, Mira Hallin, and Hilda Svensson, along with more season forwards including Linnea Johansson, Lina Ljungblom, and Sara Hjalmarsson. In a single game, there's no question Sweden could beat their neighbors. The players know each other well with 10 of the 15 players on Finland's roster competing in Sweden. It's Finland's game to lose, and there's not only a chance to play for a medal on the line, but also important positioning next year as the tournament moves away from tiered groups. It will be interesting to see which goaltender steps forward in this game.
Players To Watch: Ronja Savolainen (Finland), Sara Hjalmarsson (Sweden)
USA vs. Germany
Germany has traditionally played USA hard, but it doesn't mean they stand a chance in this game. USA has too much fire power and too much depth. Every single shift is a colossal mismatch and there isn't a single player on Germany's roster who could crack USA's. Expect USA's offense to get plenty of reps. Germany will rely heavily on the goaltending of Sandra Abstreiter, and need a hard checking game from all areas of their lineup. One of Germany's team strengths is their defence, but there's just too much power coming the other way. USA's roster has traditionally been driven by the more game-ready NCAA players, but the PWHL impact is in full force now with their veterans stepping back to the forefront offensively. It just means that every shift is coming sharp, with Hilary Knight, Alex Carpenter, and co. continuing to produce in waves.
Players To Watch: Tessa Janecke (USA), Nina Jobst-Smith (Germany)
Czechia vs. Switzerland
This is not a gimme game for Czechia, despite the fact they walked through Switzerland in a prelim game. They enter as the clear favourites, but will need to be sharp facing Switzerland. The primary tasks for Czechia will be locking up Alina Muller and Lara Stalder, and getting traffic in front of Andrea Brandli. Czechia will look to unleash their offense that's been bubbling, but has yet to boil over. Kristyna Kaltounkova is their focal point up front, but the speed and dogged persistence of Adela Sapovalivova and Natalie Mlynkova create opportunities for others. Czechia will hope Katerina Mrazova is continuing to feel stronger, and that Klara Peslarova can make a few key saves in net. The other aspect to watch here is two teams that if you get under their skin, can take bad penalties. Power play minutes will be crucial, and could decide this game.
Players To Watch: Kristyna Kaltounkova (Czechia), Alina Muller (Switzerland)
Canada vs. Japan
Meeting for the first time this tournament, Canada will take on Japan. Japan is the heavy underdog, and without top forward Akane Shiga, who was stretchered off the ice with what looked like a lower body injury in Japan's final round robin game against Germany, their efforts will be hindered. Miyuu Masuhara has been stellar for Japan in Group B, but it's a totally different game against Canada where every shot she faces will be better than the best she's seen to date. Canada will likely look to get some of their depth players more repetitions while rolling four lines to keep everyone sharp and hope to find another hot hand. We're also on record watch for both Ann-Renee Desbiens and Marie-Philip Poulin.
Players To Watch: Marie-Philip Poulin (Canada), Miyuu Masuhara (Japan)
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