Finland Triumphs Over Sweden as Slovakia Advances in Group B at Milano Cortina 2026

Casey Halston

Published: February 15, 2026 12:04 PM ET

Finland showcased determination in its Olympic campaign, overcoming a previous loss with a decisive 4-1 victory against Sweden. This pivotal match occurred on Friday, a significant date that marks 20 years since the two nations contended for gold at the Turin Games.

Finland Triumphs Over Sweden

The matchup not only reignited Finland’s chances for advancement, but it also heightened the excitement for their next challenge. After losing to Slovakia in their opening match at the Milan Cortina 2026 Games, Finland’s win leaves the quarterfinal spot in Group B uncertain and up for grabs for Saturday’s games.

Key Moments of the Match

Joel Armia’s Shorthanded Goal: Armia scored during a penalty kill, helping to extend Finland’s lead.
Anton Lundell’s Defensive Play: Lundell saved a potential Sweden goal in the third period by clearing the puck off the goal line.
Juuse Saros’s Performance: The Finnish goalie made 34 saves, pivotal for securing the win.

Finland opened the scoring early with a goal from Nikolas Matinpalo, who beat Swedish goalie Filip Gustavsson. Following this, Eetu Luostarinen assisted in doubling the lead, as Lundell’s stick deflected the puck into the net. Sweden responded with a power-play goal from Rasmus Dahlin, but Finland maintained their advantage, finishing the second period 3-1.

Intense Rivalry and Physical Play

The match was marked by intensity, featuring pushing and shoving as the teams vied for dominance. Tensions were high, especially towards the end of the second period, as the heat of the rivalry resurfaced. Finland’s Olli Maatta noted the excitement of the game, reflecting on the historical significance of the matchup.

Group B Dynamics

In the larger context of Group B, Slovakia also secured a win over Italy, with Adam Ruzicka scoring the decisive goal in a 3-2 match. This victory put Slovakia at the top of their group, preparing them for a critical showdown against Sweden on Saturday.

Italy, currently struggling, will face Finland next, seeking their first victory in the tournament. Meanwhile, Czechia rebounded from its opening loss against Canada with a strong performance against France, winning 6-3.

The competitive atmosphere of the Milan Cortina 2026 Games is palpable as teams vie for a chance at the quarterfinals. With only the group winners and the best second-place team advancing directly, each game will be crucial.

As Finland and Slovakia look to solidify their positions, the excitement and rivalry in this year’s Olympic hockey tournament promises thrilling contests ahead.