Sweden vs Slovakia Preview & Prediction | 2026 IIHF Men’s Ice Hockey World Championship | Group Stage

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Sweden will hope the likes of Anton Frondell being available can spark them to victory over Slovakia, which they must achieve in three period to secure a top four finish. 

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not Televised / US – NHL Network

How to watch online: UK – IIHF.TV / US – NHL Network digital platforms

Sweden vs Slovakia prediction

Sweden will know what they must do if they are to secure a place in the knockout stage. They need to beat Slovakia and do so without the need for overtime, which would give them the three points they need to leapfrog their opponents in the table, sending them to fourth-place and into the quarter-finals. For Slovakia, it’s all about avoiding that scenario.

Key to the outcome of this contest could well be winger Ivan Stenberg, who is projected to be picked in the top three of the upcoming 2026 NHL draft. The Swedish star has scored in each of his last two games and with Sweden needing to win this and likely to deploy an ultra-attacking style of play, backing Stenberg to make it three goals in as many games may wind up a smart move regardless of the final outcome.

Sweden vs Slovakia tip: Ivar Stenberg to score anytime