2026 Olympic Women’s Hockey: Top standouts from Sweden vs. Germany
The first ice hockey game of the Milano-Cortina Olympics featured unquestionably the biggest game in Group B, as the favorites Germany and Sweden went toe-to-toe.
While there was a moment where it looked like Germany might be able to deliver an upset, Sweden flexed their muscles, pulling away to win 4-1.
Special teams were the name of the game on Thursday, as the Germans struck first in the opening frame. Defender Nina Jobst-Smith scored on the team’s first shot of the game, on the power play.
However, the lead was short-lived. A player advantage for the Swedes led to Lina Ljungblom knocking in her team’s first goal of the tournament. Damkronoma kept the pressure on well into the second period, with a couple of costly penalties hurting Germany, as Ljungblom and Mira Jungaker found the back of the net on power plays, giving Sweden a comfortable advantage heading into the third.
While Germany tried to get back into the game, a beautiful setup from Ohio State forward Hilda Svensson led to Thea Johansson’s first of the Olympics, capping off a solid win for the Swedes.
The victory marked the first for Sweden’s Ebba Svensson Träff. The Linköping HC netminder was the surprise starter over Emma Söderberg, but was solid against the Germans, making 15 saves in her Olympic debut.
Sweden outshout Germany 37-16. The Swedes went 3-for-4 on the power play, while Germany went 1-for-1.
Both teams are off until Saturday, when Sweden takes on Italy, while Germany goes up against Japan.
Sweden
Lina Ljungblom, F
Heading into the tournament, it was crucial that Ljungblom be one of the team’s offensive leaders if they wanted to go far in the tournament. The Montreal Victoire forward certainly showed that on Thursday. She used her strength and awareness to enter the dirty areas, resulting in both of her power-play goals. She also finished second on Sweden with three shots on goal in the game.
Lisa Johansson, F
I was really impressed with Johansson’s game against Germany. She has been one of SDE HF’s top scorers in the SDHL, and while she certainly has a goal-scoring touch, the 33-year-old was able to create scoring opportunities. She picked up helpers on Ljungblom and Jungaker’s goals in the second period, and led Sweden with five shots on goal.
Maja Nylén Persson, D
Nylén Persson is going to have to be on her A-game from start to finish if Damkronoma wants to scare teams in the later days. While she didn’t get on the scoresheet, nor did she have a positive plus/minus, the New York Sirens rearguard was noticeable in the defensive zone, breaking up numerous rushes by Germany. Nylén Persson led all Swedes with 23 minutes of ice time.
Germany
Nina Jobst-Smith, D
I said going into Milan that Nina Jobst-Smith was going to have to be a big-time player if Germany wants to finish first in Group B. While her efforts didn’t lead to the game her team needed to win to make that a reality, the North Vancouver native unquestionably was Träger der Adler’s best player. Jobst-Smith led the Germans in ice time (25:34) and shots on goal (5) in the losing effort.