By Trevor Stynes MILAN, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Sweden ended the group stage of the women's Olympic ice hockey tournament on maximum points after a 4-0 win over Japan at Milano Rho arena on Tuesday, a result which eliminated their opponents from the competition.

Underdog Italy made podium-contending Sweden work for its 5-2 win in the men's ice hockey group stage on Wednesday and Slovakia stunned defending champions Finland 4-1, as the Olympic tournament delivered thrills on its opening day.