Team Finland came into the Olympic opener with expectations sky-high - and rightfully so. This is a program with pedigree, depth, and a track record of showing up when it counts. But on Wednesday in Milano Cortina, it was Slovakia who stole the spotlight, delivering a 4-1 upset that sent an early jolt through Group B.
Let’s start with the basics: Finland dominated the shot count, outshooting Slovakia 40-25. That kind of volume usually tells a story of control and pressure.
But hockey’s a game where quality often trumps quantity, and Slovakian goaltender Samuel Hlavaj made sure of that. The 22-year-old stood tall between the pipes, turning aside 39 shots and frustrating a Finnish offense that, despite its puck possession, couldn’t find the finishing touch.
Teuvo Teravainen, one of Finland’s more experienced NHL names, was active. He’s not known for high shot volume in the league, but there was clearly a game plan to test Hlavaj early and often. Still, despite being on the ice for Finland’s lone goal, Teravainen was kept off the scoresheet - a microcosm of Finland’s night: plenty of effort, not enough execution.
On the other side, Slovakia didn’t just weather the storm - they counterpunched with precision. Juraj Slafkovsky, the Montreal Canadiens forward who burst onto the Olympic scene back in 2022 as a teenager, looked every bit the star he's become. He netted two goals and assisted on the empty-netter that sealed it, showing off the blend of skill and power that made him a top draft pick.
Slafkovsky’s performance wasn’t just about stats - it was about presence. Every time he touched the puck, there was a sense something could happen. And more often than not, it did.
While Hlavaj and Slafkovsky were the headliners, Slovakia’s overall execution deserves credit. They played a disciplined, opportunistic game, capitalizing on breakdowns and staying composed under pressure. For a team that often flies under the radar in international play, this was a statement.
It’s also worth noting that Adam Gajan, the Blackhawks prospect currently playing at Minnesota Duluth, is on Slovakia’s roster as their third-string goalie. With Hlavaj’s performance, Gajan likely stays in the wings for now, but his presence adds to the intrigue around this young Slovakian squad.
As for Finland, there's no time to dwell. Tournament hockey moves fast, and next up is a heavyweight showdown with Team Sweden on Friday - their biggest international rival.
That matchup was already circled on the calendar, but now it carries even more weight. Finland can’t afford another misstep.
Meanwhile, Slovakia will look to keep the momentum rolling against Team Italy. With Group B not featuring the usual North American powerhouses, there’s real opportunity here for teams to make noise - and Slovakia just lit the first firework.
For Finland, the message is simple: regroup, refocus, and rediscover the scoring touch. The margin for error is thin, and the next chapter of their Olympic story is already being written.