The Finnish women's national ice hockey team, known as the Naisleijonat, kicked off their Olympic journey with a tough match against the USA, losing 0-5. This game was particularly challenging as the Finnish team had recently recovered from a norovirus outbreak, affecting their preparation ahead of the Olympic competition. Despite the setback, head coach Tero Lehterä emphasized the importance of remaining focused on their long-term goals throughout the tournament, rather than getting discouraged by a single loss.

Lehterä noted that the team showed some effort in the early stages of the game but lacked composure, leading to a significant deficit by the end of the second period. He indicated that the team has areas to improve on moving forward, particularly in creating high-quality scoring chances and maintaining focus during critical phases of the game. The coach acknowledged that while they did not seize all opportunities in the match, there were moments of potential that they could build upon in future games.

Looking ahead, Lehterä's comments reflect a broader strategy of developing the team's performance as the tournament progresses. He encourages the players to learn from their experience against a top competitor like the USA, utilizing this game as a stepping stone for growth in subsequent matches. The Naisleijonat remain determined to bounce back and improve as they continue their Olympic campaign, hoping to harness the lessons from this tough opener.