Slovakia vs Finland Preview & Prediction | 2026 Winter Olympics | Men’s Ice Hockey | Preliminary Round

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Slovakia and Finland kick off the Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey tournament in Milan.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports (some events will also be televised on the BBC / TNT Sports / Not Televised / USA – NBC, USA Network, CNBC & NBCSN

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ (some events can be streamed live on the BBC’s digital platforms / USA – Peacock & nbcolympics.com

Slovakia vs Finland prediction

Gold medallists in Beijing, Finland are looking to repeat here but will face stern competition from the likes of their opponents here. Slovakia came away with bronze in 2022 so they are certainly not to be underestimated, especially with the likes of Tampa Bay Lightning’s Erik Cernak and Martin Fehervary of the Washington Capitals on their roster.

However, Finland looks a little more stacked in terms of depth and what would should be a full-blooded, pulsating affair across three periods, that extra energy down the stretch could wind up proving crucial. Therefore, back the reigning Olympic champions to get off to a winning start in this one.

Slovakia vs Finland tip: Finland to win