Dalibor Dvorsky’s power-play goal with just 39 seconds remaining turned a 5-4 loss to Sweden into a potential group-winning result for Slovakia in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament. The St. Louis Blues prospect poked home a rebound after a penalty on Sweden’s Lucas Raymond, preserving Slovakia’s superior goal differential in tiebreakers among the top three teams in Group B. With Finland defeating host Italy later that day, Slovakia clinched first place and a direct bye to the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
“It’s probably the best loss I ever had,” said Slovakia’s Juraj Slafkovsky, the reigning Olympic MVP tied with Canada’s Connor McDavid for the tournament lead with six points. Dvorsky echoed the sentiment, calling it “the best loss of his life” and crediting simple tactics: “just try to get pucks to the net.”
The thrilling Sweden showdown
Sweden dominated shots 51-32 but couldn’t seal the group lead after pulling goaltender Jacob Markstrom late. Markstrom stopped 29 of 32 shots, positioning himself as Sweden’s likely starter over Filip Gustavsson moving forward. Sweden’s Elias Pettersson scored twice, including the 4-2 goal, while Adrian Kempe and Joel Eriksson Ek added tallies in a chippy affair marked by penalties in the third period.
Slovakia refused to quit. Slafkovsky tied it early in the first with his third goal of the tournament, a one-timer assisted by Simon Nemec. Martin Gernat evened it at 2-2 on a rebound from Peter Ceresnak’s shot in the second. Sweden pulled ahead with goals from Pettersson and Raymond before Dvorsky’s clutch strike.
Alternate captain Victor Hedman summed up Sweden’s frustration: “Tough pill to swallow. But we will regroup.” Now, Sweden faces a qualification round Tuesday unless Italy upsets Finland in overtime—an unlikely scenario.
The game’s full scoring sequence highlights the back-and-forth action:
- Sweden: Joel Eriksson Ek (SHG, 7:17 1st)
- Slovakia: Juraj Slafkovsky (8:59 1st)
- Sweden: Adrian Kempe (PPG, 7:06 2nd)
- Slovakia: Martin Gernat (9:48 2nd)
- Sweden: Elias Pettersson (14:29 2nd)
- Sweden: Elias Pettersson (7:57 3rd)
- Sweden: Lucas Raymond (11:38 3rd)
- Slovakia: Dalibor Dvorsky (PPG, 19:21 3rd)
Samuel Hlavaj stood tall for Slovakia with 46 saves on 51 shots.
Tiebreakers and Group B drama
All three top teams entered the final day tied on points, making goal differential decisive. Slovakia’s earlier wins—a stunning 4-1 opener over Finland and 3-2 over Italy—gave them the edge. Dvorsky’s goal narrowed the deficit to two, crucial since Sweden pulled Markstrom but failed to score empty-net. Finland’s regulation win over Italy sealed it, sending Slovakia through as Group B winners.
Sweden improved vastly from their 4-1 loss to Finland but now risks the qualifiers. Coach Sam Hallam gambled on the extra attacker, but it backfired.
Final Group B outlook favored the Slovaks’ aggressive play. Their path mirrors past underdog runs, like the 2010 bronze medal team.
Standout stars lighting up Milan
Slafkovsky’s six points lead the tournament, showcasing why he’s Montreal Canadiens’ cornerstone. Dvorsky, assisted by Slafkovsky, emerged as the hero despite the loss.
Markstrom’s performance (29/32 saves) bolsters Sweden’s depth. Pettersson’s two goals continue his hot streak.
Latvia’s upset in Group C added intrigue. Eduards Tralmaks and Renars Krastenbergs scored 3:01 apart in a 4-3 win over Germany. Arturs Silovs (Pittsburgh) made 26/29 saves.
Buffalo’s Zemgus Girgensons praised the roster: “We’re a good team… on paper, probably the best team we’ve had.” Germany’s Tim Stutzle scored but lamented scoring woes.
Other results shake playoff picture
Latvia (10 NHLers) believed and delivered. Philipp Grubauer allowed four on 22 shots for Germany, who face the U.S. Sunday.
The U.S. eyes Denmark Saturday to chase unbeaten Canada. Group C tightens with Latvia rising.
Hosts Italy struggled, losing to Sweden 5-2 and Slovakia 3-2 before Finland.
Path to medals heats up
Slovakia’s quarterfinal opponent awaits seeding. Sweden must navigate qualifiers—a setback for medal hopes.
Canada and U.S. jockey for top seeds. NHL stars like McDavid elevate the field.
Dvorsky’s rebound exemplifies playoff grit. Slovakia, once underdogs, now contend seriously.
This “best loss” positions them perfectly—what a tournament twist. Watch quarterfinals Wednesday for more drama.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.