Recap of first day of men's hockey at the Olympics

MILAN, Italy — The first day of competition for men's hockey at the Olympics began with two games.

Finland faced off against Slovakia in the opening match and it was Montreal Canadiens' winger Juraj Slafkovsky who powered Slovakia to the upset.

Slovakia won 4-1 off of Juraj Slafkovsky's 3-point game that included 2 goals. Slovakia was able to pull off the upset against the reigning Gold medalists after entering the final period tied 1-1.

Slovakia scored three goals in the third period to get the first upset of the preliminary round.

Mammoth defenseman Olli Maatta was the first of four Utah players to take the ice with his nation's team. Maatta suited up for Finland in what was his first game action since Dec. 16 when the Mammoth faced the Penguins.

Maatta had to be reminded of some different rules in IIHF hockey by referee Sean MacFarlane when he lost his helmet during play.

When you lose your helmet in any IIHF hockey, the player has to immediately head to the bench. MacFarlane showed Maatta some grace and let him know he needed to get back to the bench. In the NHL, you can stay in the play if you find a way to get your helmet back on or you can choose to return to the bench..

In the second game, Sweden handled business against Italy, defeating the host nation 5-2. The Italians faced an onslaught of shots from Sweden. Sweden, led by plenty of NHL players, recorded 60 shots on goal while Italy managed just 22.

Italy took the early 1-0 lead after a goal from Luca Frigo but Sweden took command shortly after with goals from Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog and Florida Panthers forward Gustav Forsling.

The Italians tied the game in the second period but three consecutive goals from Sweden was too much for Italy to overcome.

Anaheim Ducks goaltending prospect Damian Clara still impressed for Italy despite allowing three goals. The 21-year-old Clara saved 46 of the 49 shots he faced for a .939 save percentage.

Clayton Keller, Karel Vejmelka and J.J. Peterka will all be in action Thursday with four games on the schedule for Day 2.

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