South Florida hockey fans pack their bags and jet across the Atlantic to Milan, chasing a rare chance to watch their Panthers stars up close in some international showcase. These diehards, who turned a sun-soaked market into a playoff powerhouse, now embody the cult following that Tkachuk and Barkov built from scratch. With the NHL on Olympic break, this trek underscores how deep the passion runs for a franchise that's redefined success down south.

Finland and Sweden square off in a Group B bloodbath that reeks of Nordic rivalry, with the Leijonat desperate to shake off their shocking opener loss to Slovakia. Sweden's Tre Kronor roll in as medal favorites, boasting a head-to-head edge and depth that Finland sorely misses without captain Aleksander Barkov anchoring the middle. Front offices back home watch every shift, knowing these results could ripple into NHL trade talks and roster tweaks before the spring push.

Aleksander Barkov's absence leaves Finland vulnerable, yet coaches demand accountability after a shaky Olympic start. The Panthers captain's injury tests their depth in a group loaded with medal threats. Leos face pressure to rally without excuses, as every shift carries weight toward quarterfinal byes and gold contention.

Florida Panthers fans flood the streets of Milan, decked out in jerseys and flags, as the men's Olympic hockey tournament finally gets underway with NHL stars back on the big stage for the first time since 2014. These diehards have traveled from Sunrise to Santa's village, hyping their boys like Luostarinen, Lundell, Mikkola, and Forsling who suit up for Finland and Sweden amid high hopes despite Barkov's heartbreaking injury absence.

Finland's Olympic title defense carries a different weight this time around, loaded with NHL firepower that shifts expectations in Milan. With Barkov sidelined by injury, Granlund steps up as captain while Heiskanen anchors a massive blue line, blending vets and young guns like Kakko and Lundell. Korpisalo slides in for the injured Luukkonen, giving them a Bruins backbone between the pipes. The Finns always punch above, but this roster tests if NHL depth turns pressure into gold-medal fuel.

Anaheim's contingent storms into Milano Cortina with four reps, including captain Radko Gudas wearing the "A" for Czechia and goalie Lukas Dostal guarding the pipe for the same squad. Mikael Granlund steps up as Finland's captain after Barkov's brutal injury, while Jackson LaCombe brings American grit to the blue line and Damian Clara eyes history as Italy's top-drafted netminder ever.