The Czech women are hoping to build on their 10-0 opening game win over Great Britain, while Italy is looking to bounce back from a tough 2-1 shootout loss to the U.S. just 24 hours earlier.
Despite two early penalties to the host side, Italy was unable to draw first opportunity on the power play. The Czech side seemed to build off the energy that came not only from the early kills but also the late afternoon home crowd that came ready to roar. They scored just after the 2nd penalty with Horalkova notching her first of two on the afternoon. Drzmiskova made it 3-0 towards the end of the opening period, and this was just before two Czech penalties to close out the first period. Italy was unable to capitalize once again and the Czechs just seemed to roll from there, scoring three more in the second and one more in the third and guess who – Horalkova scored her second on a beautiful one-timer from the slot.
The Czech Women’s team is on fire!
This would prove to be the last marker of the game as it ended 7-0. Horalkova finished with four points. The Czech Women await Slovakia in their next match which will most definitely prove which of the European women’s teams may find themselves in the final.
Despite the loss, Italy showed spurts of pressure and will look to re-group as they turn around to play Great Britain at 2pm on Monday.
