Olympic Hockey Opener: Team Slovakia pulls off a massive upset at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating defending champions Finland 4-1. Juraj Slafkovsky leads the charge as the underdogs prove they are a medal threat.
The opening day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games delivered a shockwave through the hockey world. While global eyes were on the powerhouse rosters of Canada and the USA, it was Team Slovakia that stole the spotlight, reminding everyone that in Olympic Hockey, names on a jersey don’t guarantee a win.
Game Overview: Slovakia vs. Finland
| Feature | Details |
| Final Score | Slovakia 4, Finland 1 |
| Star of the Game | Juraj Slafkovsky (2 Goals) |
| Goaltending Hero | Samuel Hlavaj (39 Saves) |
| Tournament Status | Group B Preliminary Round |
| Next Matchup | Italy vs. Slovakia (Friday, Feb 13) |
Juraj Slafkovsky: The King of Olympic Hockey Returns
If there were any doubts that Juraj Slafkovsky’s 2022 MVP performance was a fluke, he silenced them within minutes. The Olympic Hockey Opener Montreal Canadiens star opened the scoring for the entire men’s tournament with a highlight-reel goal that left the Finnish defense standing still. By the time he netted his second of the game in the third period, it was clear: Slafkovsky thrives under the Olympic rings.
At just 21 years old, Slafkovsky has already surpassed legends like Alex Ovechkin in total career Olympic goals. His size, reach, and “clutch” gene make him the ultimate weapon for a Slovakian team that many experts overlooked. This isn’t just a young player having a good game; this is the evolution of a superstar in Olympic Hockey.
The Underdog Mentality: Hard Work Over NHL Stats
Slovakia entered the game with only seven active NHL players, while Finland’s roster was almost entirely comprised of NHL stars like Mikko Rantanen and Sebastian Aho. On paper, it was a mismatch. On the ice, it was a clinic in “heavy” hockey.
Forward Martin Pospisil and the “Bully Line” set the tone early. They didn’t try to out-skill the Finns; they out-worked them. By playing a physical, simple game around the boards, Slovakia frustrated the gold-medal favorites and forced them into uncharacteristic mistakes. As defenseman Erik Cernak noted, the plan was to “stick together and play the right way,” and they executed it to perfection.
Samuel Hlavaj: The Wall in Milan
While Slafkovsky provided the offense, Samuel Hlavaj provided the security. Facing 40 shots from one of the most lethal offenses in the world, the 24-year-old netminder was nearly perfect. Hlavaj, who currently plays in the AHL, looked every bit like a top-tier NHL starter, stopping 39 of 40 shots.
His performance is a massive boost for Slovakia’s confidence. In a short tournament format, a “hot” goalie is often the difference between a podium finish and an early exit. If Hlavaj continues this form, Slovakia could easily replicate or even better their bronze-medal success from four years ago.
Group B Chaos and the Road Ahead
The result has completely flipped Group B on its head. With Slovakia sitting at the top of the standings, the pressure moves to Sweden and Finland to recover. Slovakia’s next challenge is against the host nation, Italy, on Friday at the Rho Arena.
While Italy put up a brave fight in their loss to Sweden, they will face a Slovakian team riding a wave of momentum. The Slovaks aren’t just here to participate; they are here to disrupt the hierarchy of Olympic Hockey. After making a statement against the defending champions, the “underdog” tag might not stick much longer.
Conclusion
Slovakia’s 4-1 victory over Finland wasn’t just a win; it was a warning. Led by the unstoppable Juraj Slafkovsky and a disciplined defensive system, this team has the grit to compete with anyone. As the 2026 Winter Games continue, fans of Olympic Hockey should expect the unexpected from this determined group of Slovaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the Slovakia vs. Finland game at the 2026 Olympics?
Slovakia defeated Finland with a final score of 4-1 in their opening game of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics.
2. How many goals did Juraj Slafkovsky score?
Juraj Slafkovsky scored two goals, including the first goal of the entire 2026 men’s tournament.
3. Who are the NHL players on Team Slovakia?
The seven NHL players are Juraj Slafkovsky (Canadiens), Simon Nemec (Devils), Erik Cernak (Lightning), Martin Fehervary (Capitals), Martin Pospisil (Flames), Pavol Regenda (Sharks), and Dalibor Dvorsky (Blues).
4. When is Slovakia’s next hockey game?
Slovakia is scheduled to play against host nation Italy on Friday, February 13, at 6:10 a.m. ET.
5. Is Slovakia a favorite to win a medal?
While they started as underdogs, their victory over defending champion Finland has made them a serious contender for a medal, following their bronze win in 2022.
