Olympics-Ice hockey-Sweden edge Czechs to reach semi-finals

By Trevor Stynes

MILAN, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Sweden edged the Czech Republic 2-0 to reach the semi-finals of the women's Olympic ice hockey tournament at Milano Rho arena on Friday, with Hanna Olsson and Hilda Svensson scoring the goals to send their side into the last four for the first time since 2014.

The Swedes will continue their bid for a first medal since the last time Italy hosted the Games 20 years ago after Olsson capitalised on a power play early in the second period of a tight game and Svensson wrapped up the win with an empty-net goal in the dying seconds.

Olsson spotted a gap as the Czech goaltender concentrated on the crowd of players in front of her goal, and the Swede sent the puck flying from the left face-off circle to net her third goal of the Games.

The Czechs, who outshot Sweden 29-23 over the course of the game, pulled their goalie late in the final minute seeking an equaliser and Svensson took advantage to score and send the Swedish bench and fans wild with delight.

The U.S. play hosts Italy in Friday's other quarter-final and on Saturday champions Canada face Germany with Finland taking on Switzerland.

Teams are re-seeded after the quarter-final matches are done to determine the semi-final pairings.