VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Meghan Agosta, Cherie Piper and Gillian Apps combined for seven goals Wednesday and Canada completed a sweep of its Olympic group by thrashing Sweden 13-1.
The Canadian women's hockey team demonstrated why it is a heavy favorite to capture its second straight gold medal by scoring 42 goals in its three Group A games.
Canada defeated Sweden 4-1 in the Olympic final four years ago, but the rematch was no contest.
The Canadians took a 5-0 lead after one period while outshooting the Swedes 23-2. The lead was 12-0 after two periods and Sweden finally scored with 7:44 left in the game.
Agosta produced her second hat trick of the Olympics and added two assists. Piper had four assists to go with her two goals. Fifteen Canadian players had at least one point.
By winning Group A, Canada set up a semifinal meeting Monday with the team that finishes second in Group B -- either the United States or Finland. Despite its one-sided loss, Sweden still has a chance to win a medal since it will play in the semifinals against the Group B winner.
The Americans and Finns will meet Thursday to determine the order of finish in Group B. Both have won their first two games, the United States having outscored its opponents 15-1.
