What a fantastic way to end what has been an exciting Group B at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Thanks to a late goal from the ever-strong Laura Kluge, Germany outlasted upstart Italy on Tuesday, winning 2-1 and securing second place in the group.
Even though both teams had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals, the contest at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena had the look and feel of a playoff game. Lots of tight checking, close chances and players doing whatever it took to gain an advantage.
After a scoreless first period, where both teams came narrowly close to finding the back of the net, it was Italy that drew first blood, with Justine Reyes tipping in an Anna Caumo shot just 21 seconds into the middle stanza.
It was part of a second period where Italy looked like the better team, but Germany got a lucky bounce, as a Laura Kluge centering pass was directed off Emily Nix and in just past the halfway mark of the period, with the two sides heading into the intermission tied, 1-1.
The third was tense. Neither team wanted to give an inch, but it led to multiple penalties for both sides. However, neither side was able to cash in on the power play. Overtime looked like a great possibility as the minutes ticked away. Then, Kluge picked the puck out of the air in the neutral zone, darted down the ice, and made a great play to beat Italy netminder Gabriella Durante to score the go-ahead goal with just 89 seconds left in regulation.
The shots ended up being level, 24-24. Italy failed to capitalize on their five opportunities on the player advantage, while Germany went 0-for-4.
Sandra Abstreiter had arguably her best game of the tournament, making 23 saves for Germany, while Durante stopped 22 shots in the losing effort.
With the victory, Germany (3-0-1) will now face the team that finishes second in Group A, while Italy (2-0-2) will have to face the team that finishes atop the pool.
Germany
Laura Kluge, F
That goal was certainly the goal of the tournament. From the simple skill it took to make such a move in tight on Durante, to the magnitude of the goal, it was outstanding. Kluge has consistently been regarded as one of the top players from Deutschland due to her talent and finishing ability. She has been a difference maker throughout the tournament, with her two-point performance paying dividends on Tuesday. Kluge now leads the tournament with seven points in four games.
Emily Nix, F
Nix might not have the same level of point production as Kluge, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t been involved in the offense. On a line with Kluge and Nicola Hadraschek, Nix has had a hand in the team’s scoring attack. She was credited with her second goal of the tournament and put three shots on goal. With Germany being destined for a tough matchup in the quarterfinals, the dynamic Frölunda HC forward will have a chance to go up against some of the best defenders in the world.
Sandra Abstreiter, G
It hasn’t been a stellar tournament for the Montreal Victoire backstop. Starting with that loss to Sweden last Thursday, Abstreiter hasn’t been able to get into a rhythm. However, against Italy, she had to be clutch, especially in the first 40 minutes. She helped stymie an early onslaught by the host nation and kept her team in the game when they were down in the middle frame.
Italy
Justine Reyes, F
While everyone has been focused on the play of Kristin Della Rovere, Nadia Mattivi and Laura Fortino, Reyes has quietly been a solid contributor for Italy’s attack. The California native potted her first Olympic goal in the loss, using some top-notch hand-eye coordination to make it happen. Yet, she’s been getting pucks to the net and generating offense all tournament long. Playing in the top six, the MoDo Hockey forward has been an important secondary piece for Azzurre.
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