Milan– Juraj Slafkowski The fellow NHL forward picked up where he left off four years ago by scoring twice Dalibor Dvorsky A tiebreaking goal was scored with less than 13 minutes left and Slovakia upset Finland 4-1 in the first men’s hockey game of the Milan Cortina Olympics on Wednesday.
Slafkovsky, MVP at the 2022 Beijing Games who plays for now montreal canadiensscored the first goal of this tournament in less than eight minutes, skating through Finland’s defense and slipping the puck helplessly forward juice saros. Dvorský put Slovakia ahead in the third period, then Slafkovsky fired a shot past Saros on the power play and raised his fist toward the crowd.
He also scored the first two goals against Finland in Beijing, although they lost 6–2. Slafkovski scored seven goals, helping Slovakia win the bronze medal, the nation’s first Olympic hockey medal.
Slafkowski and his teammates made a surprisingly good start in Milan, as on paper it looked as if they were on par. Slovakia has drafted seven NHL players, while all but one of Finland’s roster plays in the league.
Goaltender Samuel Hlaváz had a lot to do in the early underdog story on the ice, stopping attack after attack. Finland defeated Slovakia 18–5 in the first round and 39–25 on aggregate. minnesota wild Chance finished with 38 saves.
While unable to watch as the U.S. team he runs was practicing next door, Wild general manager Bill Guerin said, “It’s great” that Hlaváz had such a strong start to the Olympics.
It wasn’t so good for Saros Nashville Predators The starter who allowed three goals on 24 shots in the loss. Finland next faces arch-rivals Sweden on Friday and it is possible vancouver‘S Kevin Lankinen Gets the nod, just like he did when he replaced Saros in net in the 4-Nation face-off a year ago.
eeli tolvanenThe Olympian, who returned after playing in 2018, scored Finland’s only goal. Adam Ruzicka scored into an empty net to seal the win for Slovakia.
Sweden will face hosts Italy on the night of the first day.
