The Slovak Olympic ice hockey team kicked off their tournament with a stunning victory by defeating Finland 4:1. Juraj Slafkovský scored two goals, while Dalibor Dvorský netted the winning goal, but the standout player was goalkeeper Samuel Hlavaj, who made an impressive 39 saves. Hlavaj's performance was crucial, as Slovakia led 1:0 after the first period and maintained a tie of 1:1 after the second, showcasing Hlavaj's extraordinary skills between the posts.

Hlavaj's record-setting achievement of 39 saves not only broke the Slovak Olympic record but also surpassed the previous benchmark set by Ján Laco during the 2014 Sochi Olympics, who made 37 saves against Russia. This remarkable feat caught the attention of many, including Martin Pospíšil, who expressed surprise that Hlavaj has not yet made it to the NHL despite his evident talent and potential as recognized by experts and scouts from Canada and Finland.

The recognition of Hlavaj by both local and foreign commentators highlights the growing interest in his abilities as a goalkeeper. As the tournament progresses, the scrutiny on Hlavaj’s career path will intensify, particularly concerning his absence from the NHL, which raises questions about the factors influencing such a talented player's progression in professional hockey. Hlavaj’s performance could very well be a turning point for him as he seeks opportunities to transition to the NHL, further underscoring the importance of international competitions as a showcase for emerging talents in the sport.