The Slovaks continue their march with a second straight win in Group B at the 2026 Olympics as three different scorers paved the way for another win for the 2022 bronze medalists. However, it wasn’t an easy game for the Slovaks against hosts Italy. The Italians played a tough game and were as good as they were in their debut game against Sweden.
This time around, Slovakia’s top line didn’t find the magic it had in the game against Team Finland. Vladimir Orszagh’s men had to resort to the bottom lines for most of their offensive production, even if it was indeed the team’s top-line center Adam Ruzicka who netted the game-winner.
Despite the Loss, Italy Was Good Again
After a surprising performance against Team Sweden, the Azzurri managed to tune in with another strong performance against the Slovaks. Not only did they score twice despite an excellent game from Slovak netminder Stanislav Skorvanek, but they also had solid chances throughout the game and showcased some good glimpses of play. And they were physical too.
Head coach Jukka Jalonen has done a fantastic job so far with the team. The Italians are clearly improving as a team, with a solid plan, good players, and excellent organization. They still lag behind in quality as they really need someone to bury all these chances, but the results are evident. The team can be proud of themselves, and the home fans can be satisfied. The Azzurri also lacked some luck, with both games ending with a different netminder after Damian Clara against Team Sweden and Davide Fadani against Slovakia both had to leave the ice after injuries.
Slovakia Must Cut Down Unneeded Penalties
The Slovaks didn’t have their best game against the tournament’s hosts, and they left a worse impression after a strong debut against Team Finland. One clear area for improvement is the team’s penalty discipline. At least two of the team’s penalties — one against former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Martin Marincin and another whistled on Tampa Bay Lightning blueliner Erik Cernak — were avoidable, even if somewhat debatable.
Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament
The game was tightly officiated, with the Slovaks clearly better adapted to a “let-them-play” standard. Orszagh’s men need to be more prepared. They successfully dealt with most of the penalties, yet conceded a power-play goal to the Azzurri late in the second period, allowing the hosts back into contention and giving them a boost in front of their fans. The price may be much higher against higher-rated teams such as the Swedes, whom they will be facing tomorrow.
After Two Days, Slovaks Top Their Group
Probably few were expecting this, but after two days of action, the Slovaks top Group B with six points. This means they have an unexpected chance to end up as the best team in the round-robin stage and gain a bye to the quarterfinals. Moreover, the Slovaks also have a plus-four differential.
With a three-way tie in Group B still a strong possibility — Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden all with six points after Saturday’s games — goal difference could work in the Slovaks’ favor even in the event of a loss to the Tre Kronor, provided they keep the margin under three goals. The Italians, instead, will have to focus for a strong finish and perhaps please the home crowd in a game against Team Finland on Saturday.
Group B action returns tomorrow, Feb. 14, with Team Slovakia facing Team Sweden at 6:10 a.m. (ET) and Team Finland taking on hosts Team Italy at 10:40 a.m. (ET).
