Tre Kronor showed fighting spirit on Valentine's Day and defeated Slovakia 5–3 in the ice hockey tournament. A late penalty led to a powerplay goal that made it 5–3, meaning Sweden will likely miss a direct spot in the quarterfinals. Captain Gabriel Landeskog described the feeling as weird after the win.
On Valentine's Day, Tre Kronor bounced back from their loss to Finland and beat Slovakia 5–3 in the ice hockey tournament. The match took place in a group where Sweden leads, but a late reduction by Dalibor Dvorsky with 39 seconds left in powerplay after a Swedish penalty means the top spot depends on Italy taking points from Finland. Otherwise, Sweden faces the round of 16.
Head coach Sam Hallam made changes to the lineup: Jacob Markström started in goal, Filip Forsberg and Marcus Johansson returned as forwards, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on defense. Elias Lindholm and Rasmus Andersson were benched.
Sweden started strongly with Joel Eriksson Ek's shorthanded goal for 1–0. Slovakia tied it at 1–1 through Juraj Slafkovsky. In the second period, Adrian Kempe scored 2–1 on powerplay, but Martin Gernat tied it at 2–2.
Elias Pettersson, the Vancouver player, scored twice. First, he was set up by Filip Forsberg for 3–2, his first international goal since the 2019 World Championship. Then he made it 4–2 on Lucas Raymond's pass in the third period. Raymond extended to 5–2 with a deft goal.
Filip Forsberg hit the post for a possible 6–2. But in the final minute, Dvorsky scored 5–3.
"Weird feeling. Win 5–3 but apparently you don't win," said captain Gabriel Landeskog to Radiosporten.
"We come out a bit on our heels at the start, while Slovakia just goes. They're tough and play smart," said Oliver Ekman-Larsson to HBO Max.
"Of course it's sour not to win the group. But it is what it is," said Adrian Kempe to TV4.
Markström saved a puck on the goal line in the final seconds of the first period.
