NHL Guys Arrive Just in Time

They might not know what day it is or what time zone they’re in, but NHL players have arrived from North America to start the men’s hockey tournament. The marquee game will have defending champion Canada against host Italy -- or Canada against a bunch of Canadians with Italian heritage -- but the best game could be Russia-Slovakia.

Unlike the 2002 and 1998 Olympics, there were no qualifying games before the main event. But the schedule is tight: The NHL didn’t take its Olympic break until after Sunday’s games, leaving players precious little travel time. The U.S., which finished second to Canada at Salt Lake City, will face a rugged Latvian team that’s expected to include Mighty Duck defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh. He injured a knee Nov. 27 and entered rehabilitation for substance abuse Dec. 29 and hasn’t played since.