SOCHI, Russia (AP) - Alexandra Vafina scored on a breakaway with 8:24 left in the third period on Tuesday to help Russia beat Japan 2-1 and earn a berth in the Olympic women’s hockey quarterfinals.
Anna Prugova stopped 21 shots for the hosts, who improved their record to 2-0. They will play unbeaten Sweden on Thursday to determine their playoff opponents.
Nana Fujimoto made 36 saves for Japan, which fell to 0-2 and was eliminated from medal contention.
Tatyana Burina scored in the first period to give Russia a 1-0 lead. It stayed that way until Ayaka Toko lofted the puck past Prugova to tie it just 43 seconds into the third period.
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