On Wednesday, Slovakia celebrated a big win against Finland, thanks in part to Juraj Slafkovsky. This victory marks Slovakia’s first triumph over Finland in Olympic history, breaking a streak of four losses.
Finland’s Eeli Tolvanen scored their only goal, while goalie Juuse Saros made 21 saves. Slafkovsky, a forward with the Montreal Canadiens, was the star of the game. He opened the scoring on a quick solo play, taking advantage of a turnover by Finnish defenseman Mikko Lehtonen. At 7:45 in the first period, Slafkovsky skillfully maneuvered around Saros and found the back of the net.
In the third period, after Dalibor Dvorsky tied the game at 1-1, Slafkovsky put Slovakia ahead again with a power-play goal at 10:30. He also assisted Adam Ruzicka on an empty-net goal, sealing the game at 4-1. “I didn’t expect to score twice, but I’m happy to help my country,” Slafkovsky said. His passion shines through, especially after last year’s Olympics, where he scored seven goals in seven games, earning MVP honors as Slovakia took home the bronze medal.
With this recent performance, Slafkovsky’s tally at the Olympics now stands at nine goals in eight games. Slovakia is set to face Team Italy on Friday.
“It’s a fantastic feeling, and it boosts my confidence,” he added. “But we need to stay focused and do it all over again.”
Slafkovsky is not just a promising player; he was picked first overall by the Canadiens in the 2022 NHL Draft. His young career is worth watching, especially given that only a handful of players have achieved similar success on the international stage at such a young age.
As the tournament progresses, many fans are eager to see if he can maintain this momentum. His performance is already sparking reactions on social media, with many praising his skill and potential as a future star in the NHL.
This victory is not just a win in the books; it’s a historic moment for Slovakia in Olympic hockey, showcasing the potential of young talent on the world stage.
