‘Great start, but we have to stay humble’: Slovakia looking forward after strong Olympic start
Few NHL players have previous Olympic experience at the Milan Cortina 2026 men’s hockey tournament, but Montreal Canadiens starlet Juraj Slafkovský is showing just how good he can be for Slovakia on the international stage.
On Friday, the 21-year-old posted an assist and had five shots as Slovakia downed hosts Italy 3-2 to win their second game of the tournament, after beating Finland in the opening clash.
Slafkovský, their most significant NHL star, had his helper bring his total to nine goals and 11 points in nine career Olympic contests, including the seven-game bronze medal run as an NHL prospect at Beijing 2022. Still, he was stunned at the crowd’s reaction, given Italy’s momentum.
“I thought they would have more fans, but it looked like we had more. So I like that,” he said post-game of the fans at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. “It gets you going more, and you have more fans. I can’t wait.”
Although Friday’s victory against the hosts was closer than expected, it sets Slovakia up to win their group against Sweden on Friday, with the potential to secure a top-four seed and a bye to the quarterfinals, bypassing the qualification phase and earning more rest.
“It’s a great start, but we have to stay humble. (Italy) were very physical, trying to get under our skin and get those penalties,” said former NHL forward Tomas Tatar, adding that a bye to the quarterfinals would be welcome.
“Those emotions are very high, especially in an event like this… [a bye] would be nice, I’m not going to lie. This is a tough tournament. Only the best will get by.”
Outside of Slafkovský, Slovakia’s efforts have been headlined by their goaltenders. Samuel Hlavaj, who made 39 saves in a dominant showing against Finland, was followed by Slovak ExtraLiga netminder Stanislav Škorvánek, who turned aside 22 shots against the Italians.
Adam Ružička has also been constant, scoring the winning goal in the third period against Italy with his fifth shot of the game. His presence on the power play has been commendable as well, helping them convert twice through the two games so far.
“We moved the puck really well, especially on the power play. We didn’t expect Italy to be easy; none of the games here are going to be easy,” he said. “We knew they were going to go hard, play physical and try to get under our skin. But we won.”
Slovakia will face Sweden in the early slate of games on Friday, with a win securing a top-three seed, while any other result could have them scoreboard-watching to see whether their previous two wins hold up for the fourth direct quarterfinal entry.
At Olympic tournaments with NHL players, Slovakia’s best result came at the Vancouver 2010 Games, when they fell to Finland in the bronze medal game.