Slovakia Shocks Finland 4-1: Slafkovsky Leads Upset Over Reigning Olympic Hockey Champions

Slovakia defeats Finland 4-1 behind Slafkovsky brace and Hlavaj's brilliance

Defending champs Finland fall 4-1 to Slovakia in shocking Milano Cortina opener. Montreal's Juraj Slafkovsky dazzled with two goals; Slovakia's power play and empty-netter sealed the win in a chippy NHL-filled clash.

Slovakia pulls off major upset, defeating reigning Olympic champions Finland in the tournament's opening match...

Juraj Slafkovsky netted a pair of goals to lead Slovakia to a surprising 4-1 victory over the defending Olympic champions Finland in the first match of the Milano Cortina men's ice hockey competition. The thrilling upset unfolded on Wednesday before a capacity crowd at Santagiulia Arena.

Juraj Slafkovsky, who led Olympic scoring four years ago, lit the lamp in the first and third periods. Forward Dalibor Dvorský added a goal in the second period, and center Adam Ružička sealed the result with an empty-net tally in the Group B matchup.

Despite outshooting Slovakia 40–25, Finland couldn’t convert their opportunities and grew increasingly frustrated. Slovak goaltender Samuel Hlavaj stood tall, stopping 39 shots in a physical, penalty-filled contest—the first Olympic men’s hockey tournament featuring NHL players since 2014.

Both squads return to action on Friday: Slovakia will face the host nation Italy, while Finland takes on fellow Nordic powerhouse Sweden.

The stands were filled with a mix of fans sporting NHL jerseys and those waving national flags, erupting in loud cheers when 21-year-old Montreal Canadiens winger Juraj Slafkovský opened the scoring for Slovakia. He dazzled with a strong individual rush, beating the goalie as his shot deflected in off the post at the eight-minute mark.

Late in the first period, a scuffle erupted near Slovakia’s goal, resulting in Finland’s Joel Armia receiving a roughing minor and heading to the penalty box for the opening two minutes of the middle frame. Slovakia, however, failed to capitalize during the ensuing power play.

Fresh out of the penalty box, Armia delivered a pinpoint pass to Eeli Tolvanen, who ripped a sharp shot past the Slovak netminder to tie the game for Finland.

Long-standing NHL rivalries carried over to the Olympic stage when Florida Panthers defenceman Niko Mikkola and Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner Erik Cernak dropped the gloves or at least exchanged shoves late in the second period. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and both teams quickly settled down.

🚨 UPSET TO START THE TOURNAMENT! 🚨

Slovakia defeats Finland in the tournament opener with two goals from Juraj Slafkovsky! 🇸🇰 #MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/pbM1E6hZXG

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 11, 2026

Dalibor Dvorsky restored Slovakia’s lead by deftly lifting the puck over fallen Finnish alternate captain Sebastian Aho, who had gone down right in the crease.

Juraj Slafkovsky provided some breathing room with a power-play tally, and Adam Ruzicka sealed the victory by burying the puck into the empty net after Finland opted to pull their goaltender for the extra attacker in the closing minutes of the third period.