In a spirited run at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak and Team Slovakia showcased their skills, ultimately finishing fourth after a challenging 6-1 defeat to Finland in the bronze medal game.
The matchup kicked off with Finland's Sebastian Aho capitalizing early, slipping a loose puck into the net just before the eighth minute, setting the tone at 1-0. As the game progressed, Erik Haula doubled Finland's lead with a precise shot from the right circle midway through the second period. However, Slovakia's captain Tomas Tatar responded just before the period ended, narrowing the gap to 2-1 with a slick backhand finish.
The third period saw Finland pull away, beginning with Roope Hintz's power-play redirection and followed by Kaapo Kakko's solo effort. Two empty-net goals later sealed Slovakia's fate, despite their tenacious play.
Cernak, serving as an alternate captain, logged just under 17 minutes on the ice, wrapping up his Olympic stint with an assist and 14 penalty minutes over six games. His leadership and defensive prowess were evident throughout Slovakia's campaign.
Scoring Breakdown:
First Period:
- Finland 1, Slovakia 0
- 7:27: Sebastian Aho (4) - Assists: Artturi Lehkonen, Miro Heiskanen
- Shots: Finland 10, Slovakia 6
Second Period:
- Finland 2, Slovakia 0
- 8:05: Erik Haula (2) - Assists: Joel Armia, Eeli Tolvanen
- Finland 2, Slovakia 1
- 19:30: Tomas Tatar (2) - Assist: Martin Fehervary
- Shots: Slovakia 15, Finland 12
Third Period:
- Finland 3, Slovakia 1
- 8:27: Roope Hintz (1) - Assists: Heiskanen, Tolvanen (Power Play)
- Finland 4, Slovakia 1
- 9:09: Kaapo Kakko (3) - Unassisted
- Finland 5, Slovakia 1
- 15:32: Joel Armia (3) - Assist: Hintz (Empty Net)
- Finland 6, Slovakia 1
- 18:42: Haula (3) - Assists: Armia, Rasmus Ristolainen (Empty Net)
- Total Shots: Finland 35, Slovakia 31
Cernak's Contribution:
- Time on Ice: 16:55
- Shots on Goal: 1
Looking Ahead:
As the men's hockey tournament draws to a close, all eyes turn to the gold medal clash between Team Canada and Team USA. With Lightning coach Jon Cooper and forward Brandon Hagel representing Canada, they'll face off against American teammate Jake Guentzel in what promises to be a thrilling finale.