Slovakia vs Finland Prediction & Picks - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
International - Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament
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by Taavi Pailk | in Ice hockey - Men's Olympic Tournament Picks
Finland will begin its defense of the Olympic men’s ice hockey title against Slovakia on Wednesday at the PalaItalia Santa Giulia in Milan.
Finland had a very memorable 2022, following up its triumph at the Beijing Games with victory at the IIHF World Championships. Since then, the team has struggled to play to its full potential, with three consecutive quarterfinal exits at the World Championships.
Slovakia won bronze at the 2022 Games, marking the country’s first top-three finish in a tournament for 20 years. However, the team has failed to build on the success and couldn’t even get past the group stage at the World Championships last year.
In Beijing, Finland and Slovakia were also paired in the same group, with Finland winning the head-to-head clash 6-2. The Leijonat also got the better of the Slovaks in the semifinals. Overall, they have won five consecutive head-to-head meetings, including a clash at last year’s World Championships.
Slovakia hasn’t beaten Finland since a friendly game in April 2017, when David Skokan gave his team a 3-2 victory with a late goal. Finland’s last loss to Slovakia at a major tournament came in 2004, as current general manager of the Slovakian team, Miroslav Šatan, scored twice in a 5-2 victory for Naši chlapci in a group game at the World Championships.
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Slovakia vs Finland Form
Table
| Teams | Pts | P | W | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | +2 |
|
2
|
6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | +11 |
Slovakia and Finland Latest Matches
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
Nov 9, 2025 - Germany Cup
Nov 8, 2025 - Germany Cup
Nov 6, 2025 - Germany Cup
May 17, 2025 - IIHF World Championship
Sep 1, 2024 - Olympic Qualification, Group D
Aug 30, 2024 - Olympic Qualification, Group D
3/3 (100%)
0/3 (0%)
Nov 8, 2025 - Germany Cup
Sep 1, 2024 - Olympic Qualification, Group D
Aug 29, 2024 - Olympic Qualification, Group D
2/4 (50%)
2/4 (50%)
Nov 9, 2025 - Germany Cup
Nov 6, 2025 - Germany Cup
May 17, 2025 - IIHF World Championship
Aug 30, 2024 - Olympic Qualification, Group D
2/6 (33%)
4/6 (67%)
Dec 14, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Dec 13, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Dec 11, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Nov 9, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Nov 8, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Nov 6, 2025 - Rosno Cup
1/3 (33%)
2/3 (67%)
Dec 13, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Nov 9, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Nov 8, 2025 - Rosno Cup
2/5 (40%)
3/5 (60%)
Dec 14, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Dec 11, 2025 - Rosno Cup
Nov 6, 2025 - Rosno Cup
May 22, 2025 - IIHF World Championship
May 19, 2025 - IIHF World Championship
Players list
S. Skorvanek
S. Hlavaj
M. Ivan
M. Fehervary
S. Nemec
E. Cernak
M. Gernat
M. Marincin
P. Ceresnak
D. Dvorsky
M. Sukel
A. Ruzicka
M. Kelemen
J. Slafkovsky
P. Regenda
S. Takac
M. Pospisil
A. Liska
O. Okuliar
L. Cingel
L. Hudacek
T. Tatar
K. Lankinen
J. Saros
H. Jokiharju
M. Heiskanen
R. Ristolainen
M. Lehtonen
E. Lindell
N. Mikkola
O. Maatta
E. Tolvanen
E. Luostarinen
A. Lundell
K. Kakko
A. Lehkonen
T. Teravainen
J. Armia
M. Rantanen
J. Kiviranta
S. Aho
E. Haula
R. Hintz
M. Granlund
Most goals and assists
Slovakia
Finland
J. Slafkovsky
(4 Goals)
S. Aho
(4 Goals)
J. Slafkovsky
(4 Assists)
,
M. Fehervary
(4 Assists)
J. Armia
(5 Assists)
Slovakia - Finland Key Points
- Finland has won five consecutive games against Slovakia with a combined score of 18-7.
- Slovakia has been held to two or fewer goals by Finland in 12 of the last 13 meetings.
- Finland has selected 24 of 25 players from the NHL, with only seven NHLers suiting up for Slovakia.
- Players from Finland have scored a combined 563 points in the NHL this season, whereas Slovaks have managed 116 points.
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Our Slovakia vs Finland Prediction
Although Slovakia earned a medal at the last Olympics, the state of hockey in the country has declined lately, as shown by the presence of only seven NHL players on the roster in Milan. A repeat of a semifinals spot appears very unrealistic.
Finland is without Aleksander Barkov and Patrik Laine at this tournament, but the roster still boasts some of the most outstanding offensive talent the NHL has to offer. With Mikko Rantanen, Sebastian Aho, and Roope Hintz up front, the team has a lot of firepower to make a statement on opening day.
Our prediction for Slovakia vs. Finland: Finland to win race to 4 goals.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
