Kirsty Coventry, the first female IOC President, declared the Winter Olympics open Friday. This year's Games are historic in more than one way. Here's why. (AP)

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.

Luciano Pavarotti, the Italian opera singer, previously sang the song during his final public performance at the 2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Turin. Because of his health issues, the song was pre-recorded and lip-synced.

Though Sweden announced its roster Jan. 2, NHL.com is taking it a step further, taking our shot at what some countries' forward lines, defense pairs and goalie depth chart should look like. Today, NHL.com senior writers Amalie Benjamin and Tom Gulitti play coach of Team Finland with their projected lines:

This is what you need to know about when the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics start and end, along with key games and events on the schedule.

Gold and silver prices are soaring to new highs, driving 2026 Winter Olympics medal values to historic levels during the Milan Cortina games.

Though Canada announced its roster Dec. 31, NHL.com is taking it a step further, taking our shot at what some countries’ forward lines, defense pairs and goalie depth chart should look like. Today, NHL.com staff writer Derek Van Diest plays coach of Team Canada with his projected lines:

The 25th Winter Olympics is taking place in Milan and Cortina in Italy and will feature a record 116 medal events.