After heart-wrenching semifinal losses, the battle for third place is on! Discover how Finland, Slovakia look to ‘turn the page’ in Olympic bronze medal game to bring home a medal from Milano Cortina 2026.
The semifinals of the 2026 Winter Olympics provided plenty of drama, but for two teams, the dream of gold has officially shifted toward the pride of bronze. While the gold medal game gets the biggest headlines, the stakes are incredibly high as Finland, Slovakia look to ‘turn the page’ in Olympic bronze medal game this Saturday at Santagiulia Arena.
Bronze Medal Matchup: Finland vs. Slovakia
| Feature | Team Finland | Team Slovakia |
| Tournament Seed | No. 4 | No. 3 |
| Top Scorer | Sebastian Aho | Juraj Slafkovsky (8 pts) |
| Semifinal Result | 3-2 Loss (vs Canada) | 6-2 Loss (vs USA) |
| Goaltender | Juuse Saros | Samuel Hlavaj |
| Last Olympic Medal | 2022 (Gold) | 2022 (Bronze) |
Shaking Off the Semifinal Heartbreak
It is never easy to play a game less than 24 hours after your championship dreams are crushed. Finland was just 35 seconds away from forcing overtime against Canada before a late goal ended their run. Meanwhile, Slovakia struggled with discipline in a lopsided loss to the Americans. Now, both Finland, Slovakia look to ‘turn the page’ in Olympic bronze medal game to ensure they don’t leave Milan empty-handed.
For players like Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, who are used to winning Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers, this loss is a rare sting. However, the veteran leadership in the Finnish locker room knows that an Olympic medal, regardless of the color, is a massive achievement for their country’s history.
A Rematch of the Preliminary Round
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time these two teams have seen each other in Milan. In the very first game of the tournament, Slovakia shocked the hockey world by beating Finland 4-1. Juraj Slafkovsky was the star of that show, and he has continued his hot streak with eight points heading into this weekend.
Because Finland, Slovakia look to ‘turn the page’ in Olympic bronze medal game, fans can expect a much tighter contest than the opener. Slafkovsky himself noted that while they won the first time, playing for a medal changes the intensity. Finland has evolved significantly since that early loss, tightening their defensive structure under the pressure of the knockout rounds.
Discipline vs. Finnish Structure
For Slovakia to be successful on Saturday, they have to address the “stupid penalties” that plagued them against Team USA. Defenseman Martin Fehervary was candid about the team’s lack of discipline, noting that they played a style of hockey they hadn’t shown all tournament. As Finland, Slovakia look to ‘turn the page’ in Olympic bronze medal game, the Slovaks must return to the gritty, structured game that helped them dispose of Germany in the quarterfinals.
On the other side, Finland relies on the “Sisu” spirit—a stoic determination. Juuse Saros has been one of the best goalies in the tournament, and he will be the focal point of the Finnish strategy. If Saros can keep the game low-scoring, Finland’s disciplined counter-attack could be the difference-maker.
The History of the Bronze Medal
Both nations have a rich history in this specific game. In 2022, Slovakia won their first-ever Olympic medal by taking home the bronze. Finland won the bronze in 2010 after defeating Slovakia in a high-scoring 5-3 affair. The fact that Finland, Slovakia look to ‘turn the page’ in Olympic bronze medal game once again shows just how consistent these two programs have become in the modern era of “best-on-best” hockey.
An Olympic bronze medal with NHL players involved carries immense prestige. It’s a consolation prize that feels like a victory once the final buzzer sounds. For the younger players on both rosters, standing on that podium is a lifelong dream that is now just sixty minutes away.
Conclusion
The transition from a semifinal loss to a bronze medal victory is all about mental toughness. As Finland, Slovakia look to ‘turn the page’ in Olympic bronze medal game, the team that manages their emotions better will likely stand on the podium. Whether it’s Slafkovsky’s offensive flair or the disciplined Finnish system that wins out, Saturday’s game promises to be a battle of will and national pride. One team will leave Milan with a medal; the other will leave with only “what-ifs.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the Olympic bronze medal game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday at 2:40 p.m. ET at Santagiulia Arena in Milan.
2. Where can I watch Finland vs. Slovakia?
You can watch the game on Peacock, USA Network, and CBC Gem as Finland, Slovakia look to ‘turn the page’ in Olympic bronze medal game.
3. Who won the last meeting between these two teams?
Slovakia defeated Finland 4-1 during the preliminary round of the 2026 Olympics on February 11.
4. Has Slovakia ever won a gold medal in hockey?
No, Slovakia’s highest Olympic achievement was the bronze medal they won in the 2022 Beijing Games.
5. Who is the leading scorer for Slovakia in this tournament?
Juraj Slafkovsky leads the team with eight points (four goals and four assists) heading into the bronze medal match.
