The Slovak national ice hockey team celebrated a remarkable victory in their opening game at the Winter Olympics in Milan, defeating the Finnish team with a score of 4-1. Juraj Slafkovský was a standout player, scoring two goals, while Dalibor Dvorský and Tomáš Tatar added to the scoreline with one goal each, including an empty-netter. Goalkeeper Samuel Hlavaj was instrumental to the win, making 39 saves and showcasing his skill in goal during crucial moments of the match.

Following the game, Denník N posed six questions to numerous experts in the field, including former players Rasťo Staňa, Tomáš Záborský, and Tomáš Marcinko, to gather insights on the team's performance and key players. The experts discussed various aspects of the game, such as the team's collective effort against a high-quality Finnish team and the significant improvements observed in players like Juraj Slafkovský and Šimon Nemec since their last Olympic appearance. Their observations reflect both the success of the Slovak team and the potential for future matches in the tournament.

Overall, the victory not only marks a strong start for Slovakia in the Winter Olympics but also highlights individual talents that have developed over time, such as Slafkovský’s elite scoring ability and Hlavaj's critical role in defense. These reflections from experts underscore the importance of teamwork and preparation as the Slovak team aims to advance further in the competition, thereby boosting national pride and interest in their Olympic performance.