NHL standouts Anton Lundell and Mikael Granlund gear up to rejoin Finland just in time for the Olympic quarterfinals. Their timely return injects star power into a squad hungry for a deep run in Milano Cortina. Front offices back home watch closely, knowing international success often sparks club-level surges post-break.

Sebastian Aho finally shakes off his Olympic goose egg with a pair of goals, leading Finland's NHL-heavy lineup in a demolition of host Italy that sets a new benchmark for blowouts in these games. The Hurricanes star links up seamlessly with linemates like Teuvo Teravainen and Artturi Lehkonen, turning what was a quiet tournament start into a statement performance amid a barrage from guys like Kaapo Kakko and Mikael Granlund.

Mikael Granlund drops mic-worthy lines in his post-game interview after facing Team Sweden, giving fans a raw peek into the intensity of Olympic prep. Those who know the Finns understand he doesn't mince words, especially when national pride hangs in the balance. This clip circulates fast among scouts and GMs tracking his edge for the stretch run back in the NHL.

Anaheim's Mikael Granlund and Finland drop a heartbreaker to Sweden, while Clara dazzles for Italy before limping off hurt. The Ducks spread talent across Olympic rosters, testing their depth on the world stage. These early results ripple back to Honda Center as GM watches how his pieces perform under medal pressure.

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.