Japan beats the host in WWC opener

In Group B of the Women's World Championship every point is extremely important. The first two teams qualify for the quarter finals while the other two have to battle to avoid relegation. The first game between Sweden and Japan was still tied after 60 minutes plus overtime, but it was Japan who got the bonus point from the shootout. Hanae Kubo and Chiho Osawa both beat the Swedish netminder Sara Grahn while all Pernilla Winberg and Erika Grahm both missed for the Swedes.

Sweden outshot Japan 34-20 but what made the difference today was the goaltending. Nana Fujimoto in the Japanese net was outstanding while Grahn in the Swedish net has played better games. Swedish veteran star goalie Kim Martin Hasson was backup today. She has been troubled with injuries but Sweden will need her for the games against Switzerland and Germany.

The most successful player during regulation was definitely Erika Grahm. She scored all Swedish goal. She made it 1-0 at 4:30 and 2-1 in the middle of the second period. After Japan had taken a 3-2 lead in the third period she tied it again at 49:39. Miho Shishiuchi, Ami Nakamura and Chiho Osawa scored the Japanese goals.

Tomorrow Japan will play Germany in Rosengårds Ishall while Sweden faces Switzerland in Malmö Isstadion.