Finnish women move behind group leader Canada at hockey worlds, Germany beats Czechs

Finland rallied after an early scare to cruise past Japan 8-2 for a second victory at the women's world hockey championship on Tuesday in Herning, Denmark

Last year's bronze medallist Finland answered an early lead by Japan through Remi Koyama with three goals in the opening period.

Emmi Juusela tied the game, added another goal and a couple of assists for the Finns, Sanni Vanhanen had a goal and two assists, Julia Schalin scored a short-handed goal and Emma Nuutinen, Julia Liikala, Sanni Rantala and Siiri Yrjola netted one each.

Finland goaltender Emilia Kyrkko stopped 15 shots.

Rio Noro scored Japan's second.

Finland rose to second in Group B with six points, three behind leader Canada. Japan remained on the bottom on a point.

In Group A in Esbjerg, Germany edged the Czech Republic 2-1 after a shootout. Germany moved to second and the Czechs were third. Switzerland came from 2-1 down to top Austria, a newcomer in the top division, 4-2.

18 Canadians collect at least 1 point in 10-0 rout of host Denmark

New-look Canadian women's hockey team has an eye on the future

The United States leads the group with nine points, while the Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland are tied on five. Austria is point-less and faces a relegation game.

The U.S. plays the last group game against the Czechs and Germany meets Switzerland.

The top four from each group advance to the playoffs.

Nicole Hall and Ebba Hedquist both scored twice to inspire Sweden to a 10-0 rout of Denmark.

Sweden moved to second in Group B in Herning with six points from two wins, trailing leader Canada by three.

Goaltender Emma Soderberg needed to make four saves, all in the final period, for the shutout.

Finland also has six points in third.

In between