Olympics 2014 ice hockey schedule for Tuesday

With the men still preparing to hit the ice for the first time at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, the women continue their preliminary pool play with Group B in action on Tuesday.

The excitement of the Group A, heavyweight USA-Canada prelim awaits on Wednesday, but for now, starting at 5 a.m. ET, Germany and Sweden face-off as the two jockey for position among the four teams in the division before the knockout medal round. Sweden got off to a strong start with a 1-0 victory over Japan in their first action of the tournament, while Germany suffered a decisive loss at the sticks and skates of hometown Russia, 4-1.

Then, at 10 a.m., the Russians look to continue their dominant play when they take on Japan in a game the home team will definitely be favored. Japan’s first goal will be, well, to score one, having been shutout in their initial contest this past Sunday.

From there, another two days of prelims followed by a day off before the playoffs start on Saturday, Feb. 15th. The U.S. and Canada remain the heavy favorites in the tournament, but Russia will attempt to use the crowd’s support to make a run, while Switzerland and Finland join Japan, Germany and Sweden as podium hopefuls within the eight-team competition currently playing out in Sochi.

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