In the opening match of the Olympic tournament, Finland's national ice hockey team, known as the Lions, faced a stunning defeat against Slovakia with a score of 1-4. Key players on Finland's top line, including Mikko Rantanen, Mikael Granlund, and Roope Hintz, failed to score any points during the game, raising concerns about their performance. Despite having opportunities, they were unable to capitalize, particularly during power plays where they were expected to perform better.

Mikko Rantanen's playing time was notably highlighted, dropping from his usual average of over 20 minutes per game in the NHL to just over 15 minutes against Slovakia. Following the game, Rantanen was asked if he expected to receive more ice time, especially in the third period. He responded subtly, acknowledging the presence of four strong lines and the strategy of playing five-on-five, which resulted in equal ice time distribution among all lines. He noted that while they generated chances in the second period, the overall loss was disappointing.

This decrease in ice time for Rantanen raises questions about Finland's strategy and the effectiveness of their top players in critical moments of the game. As fans and analysts speculate about the need for adjustments, Rantanen's future playing time may become a focal point in how Finland can rebound in upcoming matches of the tournament. The implications of this loss could influence team dynamics and the coach's approach moving forward in the competition.