Finland came into the Bronze Medal game on the heels of an overtime loss to Canada. Slovakia saw its Cinderella season come to an end after being defeated 6–2 by USA. The Gold Medal was out of reach for both teams, but they still had a shot at the podium.

First Period

Finland dictated the pace in the first few minutes of play, spending much of the time in their offensive zone and outshooting Slovakia 7–3. At 12:33 of the first period, Artturi Lehkonen shot the puck on goalie Samuel Hlavaj, while three of his teammates descended on the crease. The puck trickled through the goalie’s five-hole and into the paint. Sebastian Aho found it and swept it into the net, giving Finland a 1–0 lead.

A few minutes later, Adam Liška had a great opportunity for Slovakia but couldn’t convert. Finland took a 1–0 lead into the first intermission.

Second Period

Both sides increased their physical play and offensive pressure in the second period. Slovakia had the momentum through the first half of the second period, largely thanks to a power play after Erik Haula cleared the puck from behind the net and over the glass, resulting in a delay of game penalty. But Haula redeemed himself by scoring shortly after returning to the ice.

With 7:05 remaining in the second, Slovakia had a power play opportunity, yet failed to score. Just moments before the buzzer, Slovakia sent the puck deep, causing Juuse Saros to come out of his net to play it. A lucky bounce off the stanchion went straight to Tomas Tatar, who was able to backhand it past Saros, cutting Finland’s lead in half.

Third Period

Despite some increased pressure from Slovakia early in the third period, the period turned out to be all Finland. At 12:13 of the third, Adam Ružička went to the penalty box for tripping Sebastian Aho. Roope Hintz scored on the ensuing power play, putting Finland up 3–1. Forty-two seconds later, Kaapo Kakko tossed a wrist shot at the net and beat Hlavaj for the three-goal lead. Finland then tacked on two empty-net goals late in the period, one by Joel Armia and one by Haula, securing their spot on the podium and their place in the history books as the Bronze Medal winner of the 2026 Olympic Games.

Up Next

The Americans and the Canadians will battle for Gold on Sunday morning at 6 am. MT.