The quarter-finals of the Olympic playoffs kicked off on Tuesday, featuring a notable alteration in the coloring of the rink boards at both the main arena, Santa Giulia, and the secondary venue, Rho Arena. The boards were rewrapped late Monday night, shifting from a significantly darker blue used during the preliminary rounds, which players like USA goalie Jeremy Swayman mentioned made puck visibility challenging against the backdrop. In the playoffs, the hue of blue was lightened considerably, aiming to enhance visibility for players and fans alike.

Mikael Granlund, who returned to practice with the 'Leijonat' (Lions) team on Tuesday, expressed surprise at the color change. When queried about the new shades, Granlund humorously admitted he had no idea about the color changes on the boards. This response showed that the change, at least from the players’ perspectives on the ice, was not impacting their gameplay negatively. His participation marks a swift return after a brief illness that kept him out of practice on Monday.

Granlund’s readiness for the upcoming games is crucial for Finland's chances in the playoffs, and the adjustment to rink aesthetics could potentially influence the gameplay flow as teams adapt to the new visuals. As the Finnish team prepares for the challenges ahead, the humor and adaptability of players like Granlund contribute to a spirited atmosphere in this intense competitive environment.