Finland claims Olympic bronze as Saros and Haula dominate Slovakia
Finland secured bronze in men's ice hockey at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Goaltender Juuse Saros and forward Erik Haula played key roles in the victory over Slovakia. The win marks Finland's eighth Olympic bronze in the sport.
Saros delivered a standout performance throughout the tournament. He finished with a 4-1-1 record and a .938 save percentage, one of the highest in the competition. In the bronze medal game alone, he stopped 30 shots to shut down Slovakia's offence.
Over the final two matches, Saros made 66 saves, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable last line of defence. His consistency helped Finland advance after a tough semi-final loss.
Haula also made a significant impact, scoring three goals and adding three assists during the Olympics. In the bronze medal match, he netted twice, including the decisive game-winner. His contributions earned him a place in Finnish Olympic history as only the third player to score in back-to-back playoff games at an Olympics featuring Predators players.
Finland's bronze is their fifth in six Olympic tournaments involving Nashville Predators athletes. The team's success continues a tradition of strong performances on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Predators Head Athletic Trainer Kevin Morley will take part in the final hockey event of the Games. He will work during the gold medal clash between the United States and Canada.
The bronze medal adds to Finland's long list of Olympic achievements in men's ice hockey. Saros and Haula's performances were crucial in securing the victory. Their contributions, along with Morley's involvement in the gold medal game, highlight the Predators' ongoing connection to international hockey success.
