Italy began their opening game of the men's Olympic ice hockey tournament with a bang, and certainly did not end it with a whimper despite losing 5-2 to Sweden on Wednesday, as they sent the fans home happy after many had come more in hope than in belief.

MILAN, Italy -- Underdog Italy made podium-contending Sweden work for its 5-2 win in the men's ice hockey group stage on Wednesday and Slovakia stunned defending champions Finland 4-1, as the Olympic tournament delivered thrills on its opening day.

Raymond debuts as Sweden narrowly escapes underdog Italy's spirited challenge. Dominant shots mask offensive struggles in a tense Olympic opening victory.

There were times when Team Sweden looked nervous. Times where it looked like it was on the same level as a team with no NHL players. And times where a stunning upset to Team Italy looked possible. But being the team full of NHL players it is,

Italy star and Anaheim Ducks prospect netminder Damian Clara had a superb outing against Sweden in front of the net cut short by an injury.

By Trevor Stynes and Amy Tennery MILAN, Feb 10 (Reuters) - The United States stunned arch-rivals Canada 5-0 at the Milano Cortina Games on Tuesday, and Finland beat Switzerland 3-1 in the other Group A game of the women's Olympic ice hockey tournament.

Team USA has beaten Canada 5-0 at the 2026 Winter Olympics, handing the Canadians their worst-ever defeat in women's hockey at the Olympics. Hannah Bilka scored two goals for Team USA while Caroline Harvey,

NHL players are officially back in the Olympics. And even more exciting for Vancouver fans, they get to watch a pair of Canucks on opening day.