The Finnish national ice hockey team, known as the Leijonat, started their Olympic tournament with a disappointing defeat against Slovakia. However, they significantly turned their performance around by defeating Sweden 4-1 at the arena in Milan, showcasing a unified team effort where no individual player scored more than one point. Notably, defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen delivered a strong performance, finishing the game with a plus-minus rating of +3, reflecting the team's determination to overcome their earlier loss.

Ristolainen highlighted the importance of the win, emphasizing that despite not being aesthetically pleasing, the team fought hard and displayed a gritty determination. This turnaround in fortune has drawn attention not only in Finland but also globally, particularly against the backdrop of a breaking scandal regarding the coaching preferences of the players. Recent reports from Ilta-Sanomat revealed that some Finnish players had expressed a desire to bring Florida's champion coach, Paul Maurice, into the fold for the Olympics, stirring discussions around team dynamics and decision-making within the national squad.

The revelation about potential coaching changes has created buzz and uncertainty within the Finnish ice hockey community. Players, like Ristolainen, have found themselves facing questions about their input and feelings regarding the management of the team amidst this emerging scandal. As the Olympics progress, the focus will likely not only be on the team's performance but also on how they navigate the narrative surrounding their coaching staff and the implications of internal player opinions on the overall cohesion and success of the Leijonat.