Sweden Tops Slovakia in High-Scoring Showdown, But Group B Still Up for Grabs
In a game that had both style and stakes, Sweden took down Slovakia 5-3 in their final preliminary round matchup. But while Sweden left the ice with the win, Slovakia may still walk away with the bigger prize: the top spot in Group B.
Here’s how it breaks down. Slovakia came into Saturday’s action with two wins under its belt and a strong grip on the group lead.
For Sweden to leapfrog them, they needed not just a win-but a win by at least three goals. They came close, but Dalibor Dvorsky’s late goal with just 39 seconds left on the clock trimmed Sweden’s lead to two, preserving Slovakia’s edge in the standings-at least for now.
The final piece of the puzzle? Finland vs.
Italy. If Finland takes care of business in regulation, Slovakia locks up Group B.
Any other result, and Sweden snatches the group title.
Sweden’s Stars Shine Bright
Sweden got strong performances from several of its top names. Elias Pettersson buried two goals, while Lucas Raymond chipped in with a goal and an assist. Joel Eriksson Ek and Lucas Raymond also found the back of the net, giving Sweden a balanced, multi-line attack that looked dangerous throughout.
On the Slovak side, Juraj Slafkovsky and Martin Gernat joined Dvorsky on the scoresheet. Slafkovsky continues to build his Olympic legacy-his goal marked his 10th in just 10 Olympic games. Remember, he was the MVP of the 2022 tournament, and he’s showing once again why he’s one of the most impactful players on the international stage.
One interesting wrinkle: William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson were both held off the scoresheet. Nylander, who’s been a key playmaker for Sweden all tournament, continues to skate alongside Adrian Kempe and Eriksson Ek on a line that’s been generating chances, even if the points didn’t come this time around.
Elsewhere in the Tournament: Latvia Shocks Germany
Saturday morning brought a surprise as Latvia edged out Germany 4-3 in a back-and-forth thriller. Dans Locmelis led the way for Latvia with two goals, while Renars Krastenbergs and Eduard Tralmarks also scored. On the German side, Lukas Reichel, Lukas Kalble, and Tim Stützle each tallied goals, but it wasn’t enough to fend off the upset.
Team USA Keeps Rolling
Auston Matthews and Team USA are back in action this afternoon against Denmark. Matthews scored in the Americans’ 5-1 win over Latvia and is expected to stay on a line with Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy-a trio that’s been clicking early in the tournament.
The U.S. enters the game with a firm grip on Group C and appears to be cruising toward the quarterfinals. They’ll wrap up the preliminary round on Sunday against Germany.
Canada Returns Sunday with Eyes on Gold
Canada, meanwhile, is set to resume play Sunday against France. With two dominant wins under their belt, the Canadians are looking every bit the tournament favorite. Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have been leading the charge, and if they keep this pace, Canada is going to be a tough out for anyone.
As the preliminary round wraps up, the quarterfinal picture is coming into focus-and if the early action is any indication, we’re in for a wild finish in Milan.