The Finns defeated the Swedes in Olympic hockey for the first time since the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Juuse Saros made 34 saves for Finland in a 4-1 win over Sweden in the preliminary round of the men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

MILAN — The Swedes are in trouble. Just two days after needing a third-period rally to beat Italy, Tre Kroner lost convincingly to its archrival Finland on Friday, 4-1, in a performance that ought to raise alarm bells for the 2006 gold medalists.

MILAN (AP) — As top-seeded Team USA practiced a day before its quarterfinal matchup against host Italy, the Canadians were on the nearby main rink reminding everyone it might not be time to count them out of the women’s hockey Olympic tournament just yet.

Slovakia opened the 2026 Winter Olympics with a decisive 4–1 victory over defending champion Finland, powered by two goals from Juraj Slafkovský and a 38-save performance from Samuel Hlavaj.

Slovakia’s men’s national hockey team has featured consistent rosters through the years. The team has featured players such as Miroslav Satan, Peter Bondra, Zigmund Palffy, Marian Gaborik, Zdeno Chara,

Try this on for size: Between Finland and Sweden, the two combined for 100 shots in their opening games of the 2026 Winter Olympics preliminary round. One lost, 4-1, and the other failed to cover its 5.

A pivotal Group A matchup is set for Sunday night in Milan, as Czechia prepares to take on Finland in women’s ice hockey action at the 2026 Winter Olympics.