2026 Olympic Women’s Hockey: Top standouts from Germany vs. France
We almost had another substantial upset in Milan.
France, playing in its final game of the preliminary round, did everything it could to keep up with Germany on Monday. However, despite pushing the Germans to extra time, Nina Jobst-Smith’s winner in overtime gave Germany a 2-1 victory.
From the opening puck drop, Germany was in control of the game, keeping the pressure on France’s back end and goaltender Alice Philbert. Yet, despite keeping Träger der Adler off the scoreboard for most of the opening frame, the plethora of penalties finally caught up to the French, as Laura Kluge buried a one-timer in the final minute of the first period to put the Germans on the board.
From there, France was simply hanging on for dear life. With slim hopes of avoiding last place in Group B, Philbert was at her best, facing the brunt of Germany’s attack. With every chance Germany had in the final two periods of regulation, the Concordia University product stood tall.
Her efforts were rewarded in the third, as Estelle Duvin scored in the third to tie the game. Neither team scored for the remainder of the frame, leading to overtime. Even though France had a chance early on, Jobst-Smith’s second goal of the tournament came just over a minute into the extra frame, ending the hopes of an upset.
Germany outshot France 47-14, and went 1-for-5 on the power play. The French went 0-for-3 with the player advantage.
The loss officially knocks France (0-0-4) out of quarterfinal contention. A multi-goal win on Monday, and losses for Japan and Germany on Tuesday could’ve pushed the upstart team to the quarterfinals. Despite scoring just four goals in four games, Les Bleus showed they won’t go down without a fight.
Though Germany (2-0-1) has two wins, picking up just two points against France means the final quarterfinal spot in Group B is up for grabs. They face Italy on Tuesday, needing just a point to advance. If they lose in regulation, Japan could finish third if they beat Sweden in regulation.
Germany
Nina Jobst-Smith, D
The more I watch Nina Jobst-Smith at this stage, the more I believe she’s the most underappreciated defender in the game today. Her ability to generate offense from the blue line is on par with the modern-day defender, but how she can carry the play when she’s on her A-game sets her apart. Also, that release on the OT winner was sick. Nothing Philbert could’ve done on that.
Luisa Welcke, F
Best game either of the Welcke twins played so far in this tournament. I mentioned how important the Boston University duo was going to be if Germany wanted to succeed, and both stepped up against France. Luisa exploited France’s weak blue line, creating numerous opportunities for herself and her linemates. Along with picking up an assist on Jobst-Smith’s game-winner, Luisa led Germany with nine shots on goal.
France
Alice Philbert, G
You have to give it up for Philbert. She played every game and gave it everything she had. She made another 45 saves on Monday, and almost stole one for her adopted country. The Quebec native ends the tournament with 179 saves, a number that’ll be tough to catch for even the netminders who make it to the gold medal game. Philbert had a goals-against average of 3.00 and a save percentage of .933.
Estelle Duvin, F
While France’s offense was few and far between throughout the tournament, Duvin’s hands made a few plays against Germany. The way she was able to undress German netminder Sandra Abstreiter in close to tie the game. She finished second on her team with 26:36 of ice time and led the French with three shots on goal.