The women's crowns started the Euro Hockey Tour playoffs in the very best way: 3-1 against Russia in the Stiga arena in Tranås.
Fanny Rask and Lisa Johansson made sure that Sweden had a 2-1 lead with them after the second period. And when Hanna Olsson - who was behind Rask's lead goal - then put 3-1 at the beginning of the third, the victory was assured.
Already on Thursday evening, the women's crowns are set against the Czech Republic. In the second group, which is decided in Eksjö, Finland, Switzerland and Germany play.
On Saturday, the placement matches will be decided.
After the tournament in Småland, a World Cup preparatory camp awaits in Sweden in March and then another in April in France. The B-World Cup in France will be decided in April.