The long-awaited men's ice hockey tournament at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics kicks off today with an exciting start. In the opening match, Slovakia will face off against Finland at 17:40 local time. This tournament marks a significant return for NHL players to the Olympic stage, as the last time top male hockey players participated in the Olympics was in Sochi in 2014.

Finland's national team, the Lions, has prepared extensively for this moment, given that they have been anticipating this tournament for 12 years. The coverage by Ilta-Sanomat highlights not only the exhilarating match-up but also the lines and strategies that the Finnish team, known for their tenacity and skill, will employ against Slovakia. With the eyes of the nation on them, the Lions aim to mark their return to Olympic ice hockey with a strong performance.

Additionally, Ilta-Sanomat promises continuous coverage of the match, providing updates and insights as the game progresses. The excitement surrounding the tournament reflects Finland's deep-rooted passion for ice hockey, and fans are eager to see how their national team will perform on this prestigious international stage.