Late goal in loss to Sweden sends Slovakia to Olympics quarterfinals

Slovakia advances despite 5-3 defeat, thanks to Finland's blowout win over Italy.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Dalibor Dvorsky's goal with 39 seconds left in Slovakia's 5-3 loss to Sweden sent Slovakia to the quarterfinals of the men's hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Slovakia won Group B on a tiebreaker after Finland crushed host Italy 11-0 later in the day, giving Slovakia the best goal differential among the three tied teams.

Why it matters

Slovakia's advancement to the quarterfinals despite a loss shows the importance of goal differential in Olympic hockey, where a single goal can make the difference between advancing or going home. The result also highlights the parity in the tournament, with no clear favorites emerging so far.

The details

Dvorsky's late power-play goal came after a penalty on Sweden's Lucas Raymond. Though Slovakia lost the game, the goal was enough to secure the team's spot in the quarterfinals as the winner of Group B. Sweden, which played much better than in its previous 4-1 loss to Finland, was left to lament the missed opportunity, with coach Sam Hallam pulling the goaltender in the final seconds while leading by two goals.

  • Dalibor Dvorsky scored the game-deciding goal with 39 seconds remaining in the game.
  • Finland crushed host Italy 11-0 later in the day, securing Slovakia's advancement on goal differential.

The players

Dalibor Dvorsky

A Slovak hockey player who plays for the St. Louis Blues in the NHL and scored the late goal that sent Slovakia to the quarterfinals.

Juraj Slafkovsky

The reigning Olympic MVP for Slovakia, who is tied with Canada's Connor McDavid for the most points in the tournament so far with six apiece.

Sam Hallam

The head coach of the Swedish men's hockey team.

Victor Hedman

The alternate captain of the Swedish men's hockey team.

Jacob Markstrom

The Swedish goaltender who stopped 29 of 32 shots in the loss to Slovakia.

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What they’re saying

“It's probably the best loss I ever had. It's crazy, but we take it.”

— Juraj Slafkovsky (WRAL)

“We all know what we need to do on the ice. There was not too much tactics, right? And at this point of the game, just try to get pucks to the net. And at the end, it was a rebound that was the goal.”

— Dalibor Dvorsky (WRAL)

“Tough pill to swallow. But we will regroup. We'll be ready for our next challenge.”

— Victor Hedman, Alternate Captain (WRAL)

“Just look ahead, everything that's really good never comes easy.”

— Sam Hallam, Head Coach (WRAL)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.