Winter Olympics 2014 Schedule: How to Watch Opening Weekend Action

The opening ceremonies are in the books in Sochi.

Now it's time for the 2014 Winter Olympics to kick into high gear. A solid weekend of action is on tap in a variety of events. Technically, Saturday marks the third day of competition as things got under way on Thursday.

Here's how you can watch all of the action which begins at 3 a.m. ET on Saturday.

When: Feb. 8-9

TV: NBC, NBCSN and MSNBC

Click here for a full guide of dates and times. Enter your zip code to find the channel where each event can be viewed. Here are a few of the major events that will make the weekend's action exciting.

Women's Hockey: USA vs. Finland

Todd Korol/Getty Images

The American women’s team opens up against Finland on Saturday (Feb. 8) at 3 a.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network in the U.S. and streamed via NBC Sports Live Extra.

The Americans have been a load to handle in the Olympics. They are 18-3-0 all-time in the Olympic Games and undefeated in tournament-opening contests. The games haven't exactly been close.

During the run, the American women have outscored their opponents 33-1.

Against Finland, the team is 5-0-0 all-time in the Olympics. The U.S. won the last meeting 6-0 during the 2010 Vancouver games.

There's almost no reason to believe Saturday morning's game will be any different.

Alpine: Men's Downhill

Alessandro Trovati/Associated Press

Bode Miller is one of the favorites in this event. The 36-year-old American already posted the fastest time in the inaugural training run. 

This is skiing's fastest event and one of the most thrilling to observers.

One of Miller's teammates, Travis Ganong describes Sochi's downhill course from a skier's perspective, per Barry Svrluga of the The Washington Post: “You feel like you’re flying. A flying dream.” 

Miller would like to realize his dream by capturing his sixth overall medal, and perhaps his first gold medal in downhill.

If you love speed, this is an event you'll want to follow. It begins at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday (Feb. 9).

Speed Skating: (Women's 3000 meters)

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

Who doesn't love a good race? There should be a fine one at 5:30 a.m. ET on Sunday (Feb. 9).

One of the few speed skating events that Americans aren't the predominant favorites in is the women's 3000 meters. 

Suk-Hee Shim is the reigning world champion. She is the odds-on favorite to take the top podium spot in Sochi. Jilleanne Rookard is perhaps the best American hope, but she'll have a tough time knocking off Suk-Hee Shim.