Ice hockey-Sweden beat Germany 4-1 in women's opener

MILAN, Feb 5 : Sweden came from behind to beat Germany 4-1 and kick off the women's Olympic ice hockey action in their preliminary stage Group B game on Thursday at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena.

The 5,800-capacity venue had plenty of empty seats, but the Swedish and German fans brought the noise and colour. After all the concern over ice conditions and whether the arenas would be ready in time, the first puck drop of Milano Cortina arrived.

Germany took the lead in the opening period with Katarina Jobst-Smith's ninth minute power play goal before Lina Ljungblom equalised in the 12th for Sweden, who never looked back.

Ljungblom netted again to put her side ahead in the eighth minute of the second period on a power play and Sweden made another power play count late in the period, with Mira Jungaker scoring in the final minute.

Sweden's Thea Johansson wrapped up the victory in the 12th minute of the final period, getting on the end of an impressive assist from out wide by Hilda Svensson.

The top three in Group B make the quarter-finals. Italy face France on Thursday at the Santagiulia arena, while Japan, the other team in the section, open against the French on Friday.

All five countries in Group A advance to the last eight. Placings in the group decide their seeding for the next round.

The U.S. play Czech Republic on Thursday but defending champions Canada's match was postponed to February 12 due to a stomach bug in the Finland team. The Swiss are also in Group A.