Sochi, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - Russia remained perfect in Group B play on Tuesday with a 2-1 win over Japan in women's hockey at the Sochi Olympics.
Just as it was in Sunday's win over Germany, Russia appeared tentative against Japan and found itself tied midway through the third period. However, just minutes after Yekaterina Pashkevich was stoned by Nana Fujimoto on a shorthanded breakaway attempt, Alexandra Vafina gave the Russians the lead for good with a shorthanded goal.
Tatyana Burina had given the Russians the early edge with a marker 11:39 into the first period, but Ayaka Toko scored early in the third period to even the game.
Russian goaltender Anna Prugova made 21 saves in the win for Russia, while Fujimoto turned 36 shots aside in the loss.
Russia advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament, as did Sweden, which also remained unbeaten in Group B play with a 4-0 victory over Germany earlier Tuesday.
Emma Nordin gave Sweden a 1-0 lead just 1:00 into the game and the score stayed that way until Cecilia Osterberg tallied early in the third period. Johanna Olofsson and Pernilla Winberg scored later in the third to arrive at the 4-0 margin.
Sweden goaltender Kim Martin Hasson stopped 21 shots for a shutout, while German netminder Jennifer Harss surrendered four goals on 29 shots.
The Swedes, who will play Russia on Thursday, beat Japan 1-0 on Sunday.
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