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

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.