The men's Olympic ice hockey tournament's group stage concluded on Sunday evening, with Finland qualifying as the best second-place team for the quarter-finals that will take place on Wednesday. They will compete against the winner of the upcoming quarter-final match between Switzerland and Italy, scheduled for Tuesday at 19:40. Unlike the other quarter-finals, Finland's playoff game will be held at the Rho Arena in Milan, a venue that has yet to host any of Finland's matches during this tournament, as it has primarily served as a venue for women's hockey.

Anticipating the semifinals, there's already a hint of surprise as at least one unexpected team will progress to the medal games contrary to tournament predictions. Among Slovakia, Germany, and France, one will reach the finals, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the event. Meanwhile, the tournament's favorites, Canada and the USA, have secured the top two spots in their group, which means they can only meet in the final, should they both advance as expected.

As the playoffs approach, Finland must adapt its strategy, particularly given the unique circumstances of the Rho Arena. The looming match against either Switzerland or Italy poses a significant challenge, and the Finnish team will need to leverage their experience and skill to navigate the anticipated intensity of the playoff rounds leading to the finals.