Olympic Standings Shaken Up: Slovakia Advances in Dramatic Fashion

MILAN – A late goal, ironically scored against them, might propel Slovakia into the Olympic quarterfinals as the winner of Group B in a stunning tiebreaker, even after falling 5-3 to Sweden. The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena erupted as Dalibor Dvorský, a 20-year-old rookie with the St. Louis Blues, leaped into the glass, moments before being mobbed by his jubilant Slovak teammates. The Slovakian fans, who had dominated the atmosphere throughout the game, roared their approval.

Dvorský described it as one of the biggest goals of his career, coming with just 39 seconds remaining in Slovakia’s final preliminary round-robin game on Saturday. While the scoreline read 5-3 in favour of Sweden, a crucial earlier victory for Slovakia – a 4-1 win against Finland – gave them the goal differential advantage in a tight Group B, alongside Sweden and Finland.

A Twist of Fate: Finland’s Victory Seals Slovakia’s Fate

The situation wasn’t certain at the time of Dvorský’s goal. However, when Finland decisively defeated Italy 11-0 later that day, it officially confirmed Slovakia’s first-place finish in the group and an automatic bye to the quarterfinals. In a remarkable turn of events, this loss felt like a monumental win for the Slovakian team.

“It’s the best loss of my life, probably,” Dvorský admitted with a smile.

Power Play and a Moment of Magic

The goal came after Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond had extended Sweden’s lead to 5-2 with a dazzling between-the-legs move. However, a slashing penalty called against Raymond with 2:38 left in regulation gifted Slovakia a crucial power play. Slovak coach Vladimír Országh used a timeout, not to devise a complex strategy, but to calm his players and allow them to regain their composure.

“There was not much talking about it,” Slovakia star Juraj Slafkovský explained. “Just to calm down, relax.”

Initially, a pass from Slafkovský through the crease couldn’t connect with Dvorský, and a subsequent attempt by Slafkovský to single-handedly break down the Swedish penalty kill resulted in a turnover. But when it mattered most, Slafkovský managed to get the puck through a crowded area, landing perfectly for Dvorský to score the game-tying goal and ignite the celebration.

“I didn’t know where the puck was and all of a sudden I see him celebrating,” Slafkovský recalled, laughing. “Then I just started jumping, which is crazy. We were still down two goals.”

Slafkovský Leads the Charge

Slafkovský’s assist on Dvorský’s goal followed his own third goal of the tournament in the first period, giving the Montreal Canadiens forward six points in three games – tied with Canada’s Connor McDavid for the tournament scoring lead (though McDavid has played one fewer game). Slafkovský humbly acknowledged McDavid’s dominance, stating, “Yeah, I’m lucky to be there, and he deserves it.”

Despite his modesty, Slafkovský is undeniably Slovakia’s offensive driving force, and the primary reason why Dvorský’s goal carried such significance. With six NHL players on their roster (five in uniform against Sweden), Slovakia is a passionate hockey nation often considered an underdog. Many believe Slafkovský has the potential to change that narrative.

“I think it’s really important to be as one team, especially for a team like us,” Slovakia defenseman Martin Fehérváry said. “We don’t have as big names like Sweden or like Canada, right? But we got Slaf-goal-sky.”

As the final buzzer sounded, confirming Slovakia’s improbable advancement, Slafkovský was seen celebrating with his teammates and the ecstatic Slovakian fans. “What a game,” Slafkovský exclaimed. “I’ve never celebrated a loss. Everything has a first time.”

With Slafkovský leading the way, Slovakia’s Olympic journey is far from over, and more historic moments may be on the horizon.

Source: The Athletic