Canada cruise to semis

Canada, as expected, cruised through the preliminary round with three wins and no losses, piling up 36 goals along the way while surrendering only one.

The team have been criticised this tournament for running up the score on opponents, but were expected to have a much tougher time against Sweden, bronze medallists in 2002.

The Swedes, led by diminutive goaltender Kim Martin, have

never beaten Canada, but came close just ahead of the Games when they hung tough before losing 2-0.

Martin, however, did not start as she rested a knee injury since Sweden had already qualified for the semifinals.

Her replacement, Cecilia Andersson, was brilliant at times but the powerful Canadian offense overwhelmed Sweden's defenders, leaving their goalie with little help.

"The score may not show it, but it was a tough game," said Canadian captain Cassie Campbell.

"This is why we came, to get to the medal round. But there's only one colour medal we want. Now we've taken the next step toward it."

Apps and Hayley Wickenheiser staked Canada to a 2-0 lead after the first period before the floodgates opened.

A pair by Apps early in the second period blew the game open. Danielle Goyette, Jayna Hefford and Katie Weatherston also found the back of the net before the period ended.

Goyette, Canada's flag bearer at the opening ceremonies, then scored her second in the final period to close out the scoring.

"Tough lessons are the only way to learn this game," said Swedish coach Peter Elander adding the injury to Martin was not severe, and that she is expected to start the semifinal.

As the top team in Group A, Canada will face the number two team in Group B, which will be decided by the evening match between Finland and the United States. The winner of that game will place first in the group and avoid meeting Canada in the semifinals.

In the other early game, Sabina Florian made history by becoming the first Italian woman to score a goal at the Olympics, but her effort was wasted in a 5-1 loss to Russia.

"My dream was to score and I did. I dreamt about it after the game against Canada and I was happy to be the one to score the first goal," she said.

Italy qualified for the tournament as host nation, but were drubbed 16-0 by Canada in their opener, and followed that up with an 11-0 loss to Sweden.