Rasmus Ristolainen was the first Flyer to kick off their Olympic schedule at the 2026 games, skating with Finland against Slovakia, where Finland would eventually fall 4-1.
The 31-year-old defenseman logged 19:49 of ice time—a steady workload—but his influence on the game was muted. He was deployed in familiar situations, leaned on for defensive stability and puck movement, yet the game largely unfolded around him rather than through him.
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For Ristolainen, whose NHL season has been affected by an upper-body injury, but also incremental improvements in decision speed and defensive detail, the Olympic opener showed the truest version of his club role: present, reliable in shifts, but not a driver of the outcome.
Flyers at the 2026 Olympics: Upcoming Group-Stage Schedule
February 12
Czechia (Dan Vladar) vs. Canada (Travis Sanheim, Rick Tocchet) — 10:40 a.m. EST (USA, CBC)
Finland vs. Sweden — 6:10 a.m. EST (USA, TSN)
February 13
Czechia vs. France — 10:40 a.m. EST (SN, CBC)
Canada vs. Switzerland — 3:10 p.m. EST (CBC)
February 14
Finland vs. Italy — 10:40 a.m. EST (USA, SN, CBC)
February 15
Czechia vs. Switzerland — 6:10 a.m. EST (CNBC, SN)
Canada vs. France — 10:40 a.m. EST (USA, CBC)
These games will determine positioning before the medal rounds begin.