During the initial men’s ice hockey fixture at the Beijing Olympics four years prior, Juraj Slafkovsky netted the sole two goals for Slovakia, resulting in a decisive defeat against Finland.
Slafkovsky once more found the back of the net twice in the opening game of the competition. However, on this occasion, Slovakia unexpectedly triumphed over Finland with a 4-1 victory on Wednesday, initiating the first Olympic Games featuring NHL participants in over ten years with an astonishing outcome.
“This is way better, a way better feeling to win,” Slafkovsky commented from Milan.
Thanks to Slafkovsky, the 2022 MVP, continuing his strong Olympic form, and netminder Samuel Hlavaj successfully blocking 39 out of 40 attempts, Slovakia made a clear statement. They defeated a team considered a medal contender, suggesting they warrant serious consideration, even though their squad includes only seven NHL players, unlike Finland’s roster where nearly every member competes in the league.
“We are kind of that team no one’s really expecting us to win much of the games,” stated alternate captain Martin Fehervary. “We haven’t won against Finland for a long, long time. I felt like this is the day. I felt like this is the time, and we did it.”
Juraj Slafkovsky contributed two goals and an assist, while goaltender Samuel Hlavaj stopped 38 shots, as Slovakia achieved an unexpected 4-1 victory over Finland in the inaugural men’s Olympic hockey game held in Milan, Italy.
Slafkovsky, presently with the Montreal Canadiens, registered the tournament’s initial goal within the first eight minutes, maneuvering past Finland’s defensive line and slipping the puck beyond an overwhelmed Juuse Saros. After Dalibor Dvorsky gave Slovakia the lead with 13 minutes remaining, Slafkovsky unleashed a shot past Saros during a power play, celebrating with a fist pump towards the spectators.
“I guess the Olympics are fitting to him,” remarked defenceman Erik Cernak. “He’s playing well at the Olympics. I’m really happy for him. He’s playing well in Montreal. Now, he brought the same play, same everything.”
Hlavaj played a significant role in creating the early upset on the rink, repelling continuous attacks as Slovakia faced an 18-5 shot deficit in the opening period and a 40-25 disadvantage overall. Fehervary declared Hlavaj, a Minnesota Wild prospect currently competing in the American Hockey League in Iowa, to be Slovakia’s top performer.
“To be honest, I’ve never seen him play before,” Cernak stated. “But he was outstanding. He kept us in it in important moments.”
Finnish Goaltender Adjustment Possible?
While unable to observe directly as the U.S. squad he manages conducted their practice nearby, Wild general manager Bill Guerin expressed that “it’s great” Hlavaj commenced his Olympic performance with such vigor.
Things were less favorable for Saros, the Nashville Predators’ primary netminder, who conceded three goals from 24 shots in the losing effort. Finland is scheduled to face their fierce rivals, Sweden, this Friday, and there’s a chance Kevin Lankinen from Vancouver might be chosen to start, similar to his substitution for Saros at the 4 Nations Face-Off twelve months prior.
“It’s too early to say,” Finland’s head coach Antti Pennanen commented. “I like how Juuse played, and it wasn’t an easy game for him because not that many shots.”
Eeli Tolvanen, who previously participated in the 2018 Olympics, netted Finland’s sole goal. Adam Ruzicka secured the victory for Slovakia by scoring into an empty net, inflicting an unanticipated early loss on Finland.
“Obviously, it wasn’t the start we wanted,” captain Mikael Granlund stated. “But yep, now we have another chance Friday against Sweden. But we all know the most important games are ahead of us. No panic.”
Sweden Tops Italy 5-2
Swedish defenceman Victor Hedman indicated no surprise at Finland’s loss to Slovakia, explaining that “this is the Olympic Games. We’ve seen a lot of upsets.”
He and his highly favored squad encountered precarious moments, appearing poised for an historic upset against the host nation, Italy, before establishing a lead halfway through and ultimately securing a 5-2 triumph.
“There are no easy games in tournaments like this, and the gap isn’t what it used to be years ago,” remarked captain Gabriel Landeskog, who leveled the score after Sweden trailed when Luca Frigo of Italy netted a goal four minutes into the match. “A little bit of rust, some things to clean up, but that’s to be expected. I thought it was a hard-fought game, no doubt.”
Sweden bested Italy 5-2 on Wednesday, with William Nylander netting the decisive goal in the second period at Milano-Cortina 2026.
After Gustav Forsling scored, putting Sweden ahead prior to the conclusion of the first period, it appeared to be the goal that would thwart Italy’s long-shot endeavor.
Nevertheless, the Italian players entered the intermission confident in their ability to compete with an elite global team, demonstrating this early in the second period when Canadian player Matt Bradley scored to equalize once more.
Sweden secured a permanent lead following William Nylander’s late second-period goal, while Italian goaltender Damian Clara departed midway through the third period due to a cramp in his right leg, having made 46 saves out of 49 shots. This concluded an exceptional showing by the Anaheim Ducks prospect, selected in the second round in 2023.
“He played unbelievable,” remarked Italy’s Dustin Gazley. “If it wasn’t for him, the score could have been way higher than it was. That was his job, and that’s what he did for us and it was huge to have him back there stopping pucks.”
Mika Zibanejad netted a goal against backup Davide Fadani, who had replaced Clara, and Hedman’s empty-net marker cemented the win. The fully NHL-comprised Swedish team registered 60 shots compared to Italy’s 22.
“You put up 60 shots, usually you win those games — and we did,” Hedman commented. “We knew Clara was a big, big talent. Anaheim is lucky to have a prospect like that. He played unbelievable and kept them in the game. We could’ve been a little bit more direct, but it felt like a typical opening game and nerves, even though it doesn’t matter who you play.”
