Men’s ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics is officially underway, and the tournament opened with an eventful first day of group-stage action. Two games kicked off the competition, setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive Olympic tournament. Slovakia and Finland met in the opening game, while Sweden faced host nation Italy in the nightcap, with both matchups delivering early storylines and shifting expectations.
Slovakia entered the tournament with confidence after finishing third at Beijing 2022, aiming to once again contend for a podium spot. Finland, meanwhile, arrived as one of the favorites, packed with NHL talent and expected to make a deep run. Both teams began the day tied in Group B at 0-0-0, with Slovakia qualifying through the final qualification tournaments and Finland earning their place by replacing Russia. Slovakia struck first seven minutes into the opening period when Juraj Slafkovský opened the scoring. Penalties began to shape the flow of the game late in the period, but Slovakia carried a 1-0 lead into the first intermission. The second period saw Finland respond. After an early roughing call against Slovakia, Eeli Tolvanen tied the game at 1-1 with a goal assisted by Joel Armia and Artturi Lehkonen. The score remained level heading into the third, setting up a pivotal final frame. Slovakia took control seven minutes into the third when Dalibor Dvorský restored the lead, and shortly after, a Finnish delay-of-game penalty proved costly. On the ensuing power play, Slafkovský scored his second of the game to make it 3-1. Finland pulled their goalie late in a last-ditch effort, but Adam Ružička sealed the upset with an empty-net goal. Slovakia skated away with a 4-1 victory, stunning a heavily favored Finnish side. Despite being outshot 40-25, Slovakia capitalized on key moments and special teams, finishing 1-for-2 on the power play while holding Finland scoreless on two power play opportunities. The three unanswered goals in the third period were the difference, earning Slovakia the first win of the tournament. Finland now faces a daunting matchup against Sweden in their next group-stage game, while Slovakia will look to build momentum as they take on Italy.
The second game of the day featured Sweden and Italy, with both teams also opening their Group B schedules. Sweden, who finished fourth at Beijing 2022, arrived hungry for redemption and another run to the podium. Italy, participating as the host nation, was simply aiming to be competitive and put forth a respectable showing in front of the home crowd. Italy wasted no time energizing the arena, taking a surprise lead four minutes into the game when Luca Frigo found the back of the net. Sweden answered quickly. After an Italian slashing penalty, Gabriel Landeskog tied the game on the power play, and later in the period Gustav Forsling gave Sweden a 2–1 lead. Italy continued to push back, tying the game just 37 seconds into the second period on a goal from Matt Bradley. However, Sweden’s depth and skill began to show as the game wore on. William Nylander restored Sweden’s lead late in the second period, sending the Swedes into the third up 3-2. The third period proved decisive. Sweden extended their lead with a Mika Zibanejad goal, and after Italy pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker, Victor Hedman added an empty-netter to seal a 5-2 win. While the scoreline suggested control, Italy stayed competitive deep into the game before Sweden’s firepower took over. Sweden dominated the shot clock 60-22 and finished 1-for-1 on the power play, while Italy went 0-for-1.
With the opening games complete, Sweden sits atop Group B, followed by Slovakia, Italy, and Finland. Group A and Group C have yet to begin play, leaving plenty of intrigue still to come.
Up next, Switzerland faces France, the Czech Republic takes on Canada, the United States meets Latvia, and Germany squares off against Denmark. Switzerland and Germany will look for solid opening wins, while France and the Czech Republic aim for early upsets. Meanwhile, all eyes remain on the United States and Canada, two tournament favorites carrying immense pressure and sky-high expectations. A strong start could go a long way toward calming nerves and setting the tone for a deep Olympic run.
Zac Electrifly 
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