Predators' Juuse Saros struggles in Olympic debut for Finland

Nashville goaltender made 21 saves in 4-1 loss to Slovakia at 2026 Olympics

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Nashville Predators goaltender Juuse Saros made his Olympic debut for Finland on Feb. 11 and it did not go well. Saros stopped 21 of 24 shots in a 4-1 loss to Slovakia, a crushing blow to Finland's hopes for a medal in the tournament.

Why it matters

Saros is one of the Predators' top players and a key part of their roster. His struggles at the Olympics could impact the team's performance when he returns to the NHL season.

The details

Finland went down 1-0 when Juraj Slafkovksy found room in front of Saros, deking around him for the score. Former Predators forward Eeli Tolvanen tied the game for Finland early in the second period. But Slovakia scored twice in the third period to take a commanding lead — Dalibor Dvorsky beat Saros in tight, roofing the puck over his right shoulder, then Slafkovsky scored another on the power play. Adam Ruzicka added an empty net goal, sealing the 4-1 win for Slovakia.

  • Saros made his Olympic debut for Finland on Feb. 11, 2026.
  • Finland's next matchup is against Sweden on Feb. 13, 2026 (5:10 a.m. CT).
  • The top two teams in each group advance to the playoff round, which begins on Feb. 17, 2026.

The players

Juuse Saros

Nashville Predators goaltender who made his Olympic debut for Finland.

Juraj Slafkovksy

Slovakian player who scored two goals against Saros.

Eeli Tolvanen

Former Predators forward who now plays for Seattle and scored the lone goal for Finland.

Dalibor Dvorsky

Slovakian player who scored a goal against Saros.

Adam Ruzicka

Slovakian player who scored an empty net goal to seal the win for Slovakia.

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What’s next

The loss puts Finland (0-1-0, 0 points) at the bottom of Group B, with their next matchup against Sweden on Feb. 13 (5:10 a.m. CT). The top two teams in each group advance to the playoff round, which begins on Feb. 17.

The takeaway

Saros' struggles in his Olympic debut raise concerns about his recent decline in performance for the Predators, which could impact the team's chances of success both in the Olympics and the NHL season.