Slovakia Celebrates the Sweetest Loss in Hockey History - and a Quarterfinal Bye
MILAN - The scoreboard said Sweden 5, Slovakia 3. But if you were inside Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Saturday, you’d be forgiven for thinking Slovakia had just pulled off a massive win. Dalibor Dvorský’s late goal didn’t change the outcome of the game, but it changed everything for Slovakia’s Olympic hopes - and the celebration that followed was nothing short of electric.
With just 39 seconds left in regulation, Dvorský - the 20-year-old rookie forward from the St. Louis Blues - buried a rebound and leapt into the glass, mobbed by teammates as Slovak fans erupted. The goal cut Sweden’s lead to two, and while it didn’t earn Slovakia a point in the standings, it secured something arguably even more valuable: a tiebreaker advantage.
Because Slovakia had previously beaten Finland 4-1, that late goal gave them the edge in a potential three-way tie with Sweden and Finland atop Group B. The math still needed one more piece to fall into place - a regulation win by Finland over Italy later that day - but when the Finns delivered with an 11-0 rout, Slovakia officially clinched first place in the group and an automatic bye to the quarterfinals.
In that moment, Dvorský’s goal turned what looked like a disappointing loss into one of the most significant results in Slovak hockey history.
“It’s the best loss of my life, probably,” Dvorský said, grinning.
Slafkovský Sets the Tone
Before Dvorský’s heroics, it was Juraj Slafkovský - Slovakia’s offensive centerpiece and Montreal Canadiens forward - who kept his team within striking distance. He scored his third goal of the tournament in the first period and later assisted on Dvorský’s crucial tally, bringing his tournament total to six points in three games. That tied him with Canada’s Connor McDavid for the scoring lead, though McDavid has played one fewer game.
When told he was sharing the top spot with the best player on the planet, Slafkovský couldn’t help but roll his eyes.
“Yeah, I’m lucky to be there,” he said. “And he deserves it.”
Maybe so, but there’s no denying Slafkovský’s impact. He’s been Slovakia’s heartbeat throughout the tournament - driving play, creating offense, and, in this case, helping deliver a goal that meant far more than it looked on paper.
A Power Play With Purpose
The pivotal moment came after Sweden’s Lucas Raymond - who had dazzled earlier with a highlight-reel between-the-legs goal to make it 5-2 - was called for slashing with 2:38 left. Slovakia went to the power play, and head coach Vladimír Országh used his timeout. But instead of drawing up a set play, the message was simple: settle down.
“There was not much talking about it,” Slafkovský said.
Slovakia didn’t need a chalkboard - they needed composure. And after a few missed connections and a failed zone entry, they finally got their chance.
Slafkovský threaded a puck through traffic, and after a wild bounce, it landed right on Dvorský’s stick at the side of the net. He didn’t miss.
“I didn’t know where the puck was, and all of a sudden I see him celebrating,” Slafkovský said. “Then I just started jumping, which is crazy. We were still down two goals.”
“Slaf-goal-sky” and the Underdog Mentality
Slovakia isn’t stacked with NHL superstars like Sweden or Canada. They brought six NHLers to the tournament, and only five dressed against Sweden. But what they lack in marquee names, they make up for in heart - and in Slafkovský, they’ve got a budding star who’s carrying the torch for an entire nation.
“I think it’s really important to be as one team, especially for a team like us,” said defenseman Martin Fehérváry. “We don’t have as big names like Sweden or like Canada, right? But we got Slaf-goal-sky.”
That nickname might stick - and so might the belief that this Slovak team could be more than just a feel-good story.
A Celebration for the Ages
When the final horn sounded, Sweden had technically won the game. But it was Slovakia who walked off the ice with the momentum - and a direct ticket to the quarterfinals.
As Sweden’s goalie left the net late in a desperate attempt to regain a three-goal lead (and the tiebreaker), Slovakia held firm. And when it was over, Slafkovský was soaking it all in - yelling, smiling, and joining the fans in celebration.
“What a game,” he said. “I’ve never celebrated a loss. Everything has a first time.”
For Slovakia, it was a loss that felt like a win - and maybe, just maybe, a turning point in their hockey journey.