Men's hockey Sweden vs Czech Republic live stream: Watch online free as two of the last three gold medalist meet in Group C play to open up in Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Sweden won eight years ago with a young Henrik Lundqvist in net. He looks to spark the same magic as this team is one of the favorites to medal in Sochi, but a Czech Republic team looks to get back on the podium themselves. Watch the free live stream online as men's hockey begins with a big matchup.

Watch the free live stream online of Men's hockey below: Czech Republic vs Sweden

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 12
Start Time: 12:00 p.m. ET
TV Info: USA Network
Live Stream: NBC Olympics Live Extra or NBC Olympics.com  

Four years ago, Lundqvist had a 1.34 goals-against average and .927 save percentage in three games. This season with the New York Rangers, he shook off early-season struggles to post five straight wins, seven of eight and 10 of 12 entering the Olympic break.

"You've been thinking about it for months, but now you can really start to mentally prepare for what is ahead," Lundqvist told BlueshirtsUnited.com prior to arriving in Sochi. "It's going to be a great challenge and a great experience. I really look forward to going over there and competing."

Both teams are filled with NHL pros, but Henrik Sedin will not partake this go around due to a rib injury. His brother Daniel will be one of the top players along with Backstrom and Alfredsson to lead the way in scoring. Their opponents will have Jamir Jagr for one more go around.

The Czechs are a veteran group with Peter Nedved joining Jagr as the second player over the age of 40 and four (Marek Zidlicky, Michal Rozsival, Tomas Kaberle and Patrik Elias) 35 and up. They had an early exit four years ago in Vancouver, but look to avenge that.

"Really, it's going to be very close," Elias told The Associated Press. "You can't predict you're going to beat any one team, so you go into the tournament thinking you can beat anyone."