Many NHL players will depart for Italy tomorrow to represent their countries in the Olympics, but the women’s side wasted no time in christening the Torino Esposizioni complex. Four games were played throughout the evening, featuring the prominent squads of the United States, Russia, and Canada on the first day of competition.

The United States team showed the speed and puck movement that won them the silver medal in the 2002 games, defeating Switzerland 6-0 in the team’s preliminary round match. They are now 1-0 in Group B play, and will take on Germany tomorrow at Palasport Olimpico in a prime-time showcase.

Katie King opened the scoring 2:28 into the game for the early lead, banking home a goal off a centering pass from Jenny Potter for a quick 1-0 lead. That would be the only score of the period, thanks to the steady work of Patrica Elsmore-Sautter. The Swiss goalie stopped 19 of 20 shots in the first, making 50 saves in total.

Her theatrics were needed, as the U.S. squad enjoyed a 20-3 advantage in shots and an 11-1 edge in scoring chances by the first intermission. That trend would continue throughout the game, as the final shot margin was 56-9.

“We are playing more aggressive and taking more chances on offensive,” Potter, who finished with one goal and two assists, said to reporters in Torino. “We need to concentrate on not taking penalties. You can’t just fall through on a check.”

Though Switzerland trailed heavily is almost all statistical categories, they still had a chance to get back in the game in the second. Six consecutive penalties resulted in three 5-on-3 power play opportunities, but the only team to score during that time was the U.S.

Dunn Luoma converted on a breakaway for a rare two player shorthanded goal midway through the period to make it 2-0, sealing the fate of a Swiss team that finished 0-9 on the power play.

The lines finally got into a consistent rhythm in the third, opening up the flood fates. Captain Krissy Wendell scored two goals, complimenting Potter’s power play score and Natalie Darwitz’s tally.

Former U.S. captain and 2002 star Cammi Granato is a retired analyst for NBC now, but the team still has veteran leadership. That guidance will needed, as eleven players are making their first Olympic appearance, which is one more than half of the entire roster. Head coach Ben Smith will have to hope those young players mature quickly as the level of competition will quickly increase.

Netminder Chandra Gunn picked up her first Olympic shutout, though her workload was in single digits. She should face more opposition tomorrow, as the German team seeks revenge for their shutout loss. The power play will also need to improve on the 1-7 effort if they hope to take home of the gold.

“We just have to stick with what we’re doing,” said Wendell to reporters in Torino after the game. “We haven’t seen the Germans play yet, but we just need to work on our game.”

Notes: Longtime Devils broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick had the call for NBC. Cheers of “USA” could be heard throughout the contest. Finland will take on the Red, White and Blue February 14th in the last contest before the elimination round commences.

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