Slovakia lost 5-3 to Sweden in its final preliminary game, but it remains likely to capture Group B.
Entering Saturday’s action, Sweden needed to win by three goals or greater to secure the top place in Group B. Slovakia won its previous two games, and held a commanding divisional lead. Dalibor Dvorsky scored for Slovakia with 39 seconds left, to preserve its entry into the quarterfinal. If Finland defeats Italy in regulation, Slovakia will capture Group B. Any other result, and Sweden will win the group.
Elias Pettersson scored twice, Lucas Raymond added a goal and an assist, while Lucas Raymond and Joel Eriksson Ek also notched singles for Sweden. Juraj Slafkovsky and Martin Gernat were Slovakia’s other goal-scorers. Slafkovsky recorded his 10th Olympic goal in 10 Olympic games, previously winning MVP of the 2022 tournament.
It’s also worth noting that William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson were both held off the scoresheet. Nylander has operated as a focal point of Sweden’s attack throughout the tournament, on a line with Adrian Kempe and Joel Eriksson Ek.
It was a busy morning, as Latvia upset Germany 4-3. Dans Locmelis scored twice for Latvia, while Renars Krastenbergs and Eduard Tralmarks also got on the board. Lukas Reichel, Lukas Kalble and Tim Stutzle scored for Germany.
Auston Matthews and the United States take on Denmark in the 3:10 PM afternoon game. Matthews scored in the United States’ 5-1 victory over Latvia and is expected to resume his place on a line with Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy. Ahead of Saturday’s games, the United States hold a comfortable lead in Group C, and should cruise into the quarterfinals. To conclude the preliminary round, the United States will face Germany on Sunday.
Canada will resume its tournament on Sunday against France. With two commanding victories, Canada is rolling into the quarterfinals as the presumptive favourite, with Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon leading the charge.
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