The Finnish national ice hockey team, known as the Lions, faced intense scrutiny prior to their recent match against Sweden, having had a disastrous start to their tournament. However, they managed to secure a much-needed victory with a convincing score of 4–1 in Milan. This win came at a time when discussions around the team's coaching staff and potential changes were creating a stir in the media. Reports indicated that some players had contemplated the possibility of hiring Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice for the Olympic team, a suggestion that reached the national team's management.

Following the victory, team captain Mikael Granlund addressed the coaching controversy with a firm stance, stating that he did not understand the source of the doubts being expressed. Granlund emphasized that the players had full faith in their coaching staff and regarded the Olympic trip as a success, despite the initial setbacks. His comments highlight the internal unity and confidence within the team, which appears to be unshaken by external speculation.

Granlund further dismissed the significance of the external discussions, asserting that he was not affected by what others were saying about the team's performance. He conveyed that the players have a clear understanding of their situation and their gameplay. Such remarks not only reinforce the team's solidarity but also suggest that they are focusing on their performance rather than getting distracted by media narratives.