In the early hours of Feb. 7, Team Germany and Team Japan faced off in each of their second games of the tournament. Germany had lost their first game to Sweden, while Team Japan was looking to get off to a critical 2-0-0 start to the tournament.
Germany dominated play early, and at the halfway point of the game, led 5-0, and ultimately won 5-2. Here are the three biggest takeaways from the game.
Kluge Dominates With 4 Points
Laura Kluge was going to have to be one of the best players for Team Germany if they were going to be putting together some wins, and after she left a bit to be desired against Sweden. Against Japan, she wasted no time getting on the scoresheet with an assist on the opening goal from Luisa Welcke just 44 seconds into the game.
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Kluge would go on to add three more assists for a total of four points in the game. Germany has enough talent to be able to make a push into the medal rounds, but if they are going to want a true chance, they need players stepping up like Kluge, and if she can continue this way, they are going to be in good shape.
Japan’s Goaltending in Question
Heading into the tournament, goaltender Miyuu Masuhara was in the starter role, and through two games, there may be some question about who starts the next game. Masuhara was pulled after three goals on 12 shots against, and in just over 13 minutes.
Rikio Kawaguchi took over the crease, and from that point on, Japan played much better. Whether it be a coincidence or the goalie change sparked something, it worked well, but just not well enough.
Kawaguchi went on to make 15 saves on the next 17 shots. With Masuhara being just 24 years old and Kawaguchi being 21 years old, it is hard to lean on someone based on experience. They are both very talented goalies who have worked their way to playing on the biggest stage in the world, and internal competition can be very healthy.
Both goalies could be feeling some heavy pressure right now. When the Japanese team plays their next game against Italy on Feb. 9, they will have a serious decision to make.
Japan’s Comeback Attempt Shut Down
Kudos has to be given to Team Japan. With Germany up 5-0 in the second period, there wasn’t a ton of belief in Japan from hockey fans, though they didn’t go down without a fight.
In the dying minutes of the second period, Mei Miura was able to get on the board with a power play tally, and 17 seconds later, Yumeka Wajima brought it to a 5-2 game.
This gave Japan a huge surge of confidence, and they were playing some excellent hockey. Heading into the third period, there must have been some nerves rattling for Germany, but they were able to shut things down and play a safe third period to maintain the 5-2 lead.
Even beyond the six skaters lined up on defense, the German team was working hard on the backcheck, battling hard in the corners, and suppressing chances from Japan. It would have been a frustrating 20 minutes to be on Team Japan.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Team Germany is going to be back in action as they take on France on Feb. 9. This could be a great chance for Germany to build off the dominance they displayed against Japan and get ahead in the standings.
For Japan, when they take on Italy on Feb. 9, they will be looking to get themselves back in the win column. The Olympics is a short tournament, and every game matters. While there were positives, especially with the attempted comeback, they will be able to try to get back on track against Italy.
