Slovakia Shocks Finland with 4-1 Olympic Hockey Upset
Juraj Slafkovsky is proving once again why he’s one of the most electrifying talents in international hockey. Slovakia opened their men’s hockey campaign at the Milan Cortina Olympics with a stunning 4-1 victory over defending champion Finland and it all started with Slafkovsky’s early strike. He snatched the puck off a Finnish defender and powered it past Juuse Saros, setting the tone for a game that would turn expectations on their head.
Slafkovsky didn’t stop there. He added a second goal on a power play, skating into the slot and ripping a shot between the circles. Dalibor Dvorsky also made a key contribution with the go-ahead goal in the third period, while Adam Ruzicka sealed the win with an empty-net goal. For Finland, Eeli Tolvanen scored a single marker, but the story was dominated by Slovakia’s resilience and precision.
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Goaltender Samuel Hlavaj was equally pivotal. The Minnesota Wild prospect turned away 39 shots, including a blistering first period where he denied the first 22 attempts. His performance was a reminder that Slovakia isn’t just relying on offensive firepower—this is a team built on balance, discipline and timely heroics. Hlavaj’s journey to this stage has been impressive; he’s posted stellar numbers throughout Olympic qualification, showing he can stand tall on the global stage.
This opening game matters far more than just a scoreline. Finland entered the tournament as defending champions and a favorite to contend for gold. Slovakia’s win immediately reshapes Group B, sending a strong message that past reputations won’t carry anyone through these Olympics. It also shines a spotlight on younger stars like Slafkovsky and Hlavaj, who are already establishing themselves as players to watch over the next two weeks.
Looking ahead, Finland faces a critical showdown against Sweden, a matchup that will define their path in the tournament. Slovakia, meanwhile, will take on Italy, but with momentum and confidence on their side, they’ve proven that any team can be vulnerable—even the reigning champion.
This game isn’t just about one win. It’s a statement about preparation, poise and seizing the moment on the Olympic stage. Fans around the world will be watching closely as these teams navigate the road to the medal rounds, knowing that early results like this can set the tone for the entire tournament.
Stay with us for ongoing coverage and updates from Milan Cortina, where every puck drop could change the story of the 2026 Olympic men’s hockey tournament.
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