In early Tuesday action over in Milan Switzerland defeated Italy 3-0 and Germany ended France’s run in the Olympics. Both outcomes were expected and the two victors will move on to the quarter-final round. J.J. Moser was held off the scoreboard, but registered two shots in his 17:38 of action. Meanwhile, Wojciech Stachowiak was a healthy scratch in Germany’s 5-1 victory over France.
The lone goal by the French was scored by old friend Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, who announced his retirement from hockey following the game. The 40-year-old, who spent two seasons with the Bolts, had been playing for Ajoie HC in the Swiss-A league.
Switzerland will face Finland while Germany faces Slovakia in the quarter-finals. Czechia takes on Denmark and Sweden battles Latvia for the final two spots in the quarters.
Other Hockey News
Canada and United States advance to gold medal game [The Ice Garden]
To the surprise of virtually no one, it’ll be the United States against Canada for the gold medal in the women’s ice hockey competition. The U.S. blanked Sweden while Canada defeated the Swiss, 2-1, behind two goals from Marie-Philip Poulin.
Brandon Bussi signs 3-year deal with Carolina [Cardiac Cane]
Maybe, for once, the Carolina Hurricanes will have some stability in net. They extended Brandon Bussi, who they had claimed off of waivers earlier this season from Florida, for three seasons at $1.9 million per season. Expect him to form a 1a and 1b duo with Pyotr Kochetkov moving forward.
Hockey France suspends Pierre Crinon [French Federation of Hockey]
While Tom Wilson wasn’t disciplined by Hockey Canada, it looks like his opponent in the fight will be suspended for the rest of the Olympics. Based on the press release, it wasn’t just the fight, but his actions following it that led to the suspension. The 30-year-old has amassed 541 penalty minutes in 304 game career in Ligue Magnus.
Jeff Skinner placed on waivers to buy out contract [TSN]
The 33-year-old forward and the San Jose Sharks have come to an agreement to terminate the free-agent deal he signed over the summer. With 13 points in 32 games, the 16-year veteran was losing playing time to some of the younger forwards on the up-and-coming Sharks team. Skinner will forfeit the remainder of his $3 million salary, but will be free to sign with any team in the league.
