Slovakia Opens Olympic Hockey Tournament with Upset Victory Over Finland
Milan, Italy – – Juraj Slafkovsky scored twice as Slovakia defeated Finland 4-1 in the opening game of the men’s hockey tournament at the Milan Cortina Olympics. The victory marks a significant upset, with Slovakia overcoming a traditionally strong Finnish team.
Slafkovsky, a forward for the Montreal Canadiens and Slovakia’s most recognizable athlete, continued the impressive form he displayed four years prior at the Beijing Olympics, where he was named tournament MVP after leading Slovakia to a bronze medal. His performance in Milan immediately places him as a key player for his nation’s medal hopes.
However, both Slafkovsky and Slovakia’s coach, Vladimir Orszagh, emphasized the need for a team effort throughout the tournament. Slovakia faces a challenging Group B alongside Finland, Sweden, and Italy.
“The Olympics aren’t the story of one single player,” Orszagh said Tuesday. “Juraj is a dominant winger in the NHL and a first overall pick (2022 NHL Draft). He had a wonderful tournament in Beijing and scored plenty of goals, but it’s a different story in Milan. We’ll still need him. He’ll be very important for our team on the ice, but also in the locker room.”
Orszagh stressed that relying solely on Slafkovsky would be a mistake, acknowledging the 21-year-old’s youth and the high level of competition he will face. “People will look to Juraj, but he won’t be the only one. One can’t rely on just one player. We mustn’t forget that he’s still a young player at 21. We need to realize that he’s going to play against the best defensemen in the world. The other teams will be keeping an eye on him, because they know he’s going to be a threat.”
Craig Ramsay, who coached Slovakia in Beijing and now serves as a special consultant for the team in Milan, echoed Orszagh’s sentiment, highlighting Slafkovsky’s importance while also suggesting areas for improvement. “He’ll be a key player for us once again,” Ramsay said. “He knows it too. If he uses his speed and his size, he’ll find ways to stand out. We also have good players who can get him the puck. I’d like to see him take more shots. he doesn’t always have to think about trying to make the perfect pass between the legs of two defensemen.”
Slafkovsky’s impact extends far beyond the ice. He is a national icon in Slovakia, with his actions and statements closely followed by the country’s media and fans. His success in the NHL and his Olympic performances have made him a symbol of national pride.
The game against Finland was broadcast live on USA Network and streamed on Peacock, with Finland favored by 2.5 on the puck line and as a -410 favorite to win outright. Slovakia’s victory as a +320 underdog demonstrates the team’s ability to perform under pressure and defy expectations.
Slovakia will continue their Olympic campaign as they navigate the challenging Group B, aiming to build on this initial success and contend for a medal. The team’s ability to balance individual brilliance with collective effort will be crucial to their chances.
