With Sweden having already locked up first place in Group B before the puck even dropped, Germany and Italy were playing for second place in the group. Italy entered the matchup holding that position, but Germany’s 2–1 regulation victory ensured they would finish above the Italians in the standings.
The teams were even in shots on goal, with both registering 24 apiece, but it was Boston Fleet forward Laura Kluge, off an assist from Vancouver Goldeneyes defender Nina Jobst-Smith, who scored the game-winner with just a minute and a half remaining. The goal marked Kluge’s third of the tournament and her Olympic Winter Games–leading seventh point.
Both teams advance to the knockout stage, with quarterfinal play beginning Friday at 10:40 AM ET. The final Group B standings see Sweden finish first, followed by Germany, Italy, Japan, and France.