Sweden vs Slovakia

Slovakia drew first blood just four minutes in. Martin Chromiak opened the scoring with assists from Adam Sýkora and Patrik Koch, giving the underdogs an early 1-0 lead and silencing the pro-Swedish contingent in Fribourg.

Sweden, undeterred, responded in the 16th minute. Anton Frondell — one of Sweden's rising stars in this tournament — slotted home the equaliser off feeds from John Persson and Mattias Ekholm. The goal restored parity and shifted momentum firmly in Sweden's direction as the period wound down, with the score tied 1-1 after 20 minutes.

Sweden turned the screws in the middle frame. Just 2:04 into the second period, veteran forward Jakob Silfverberg put the Swedes ahead for the first time, converting a setup from Carl Grundström and Jacob Larsson. It was vintage Silfverberg — calm, clinical, and precisely timed.

Sweden doubled their lead at 10:02 of the second period when young forward Ivar Stenberg produced the goal of the game. Stenberg went on a dazzling solo rush, carving through the Slovak defence before beating the goaltender. Lucas Raymond and Victor Björck drew assists on the play.

Trailing 3-1, Slovakia refused to fold. With Sweden's Erik Brännström in the box for interference, Slovakia struck on the power play at 15:39. Marek Hrivík deflected home a shot from the point, with Martin Faško-Rudáš and Mislav Rosandić collecting assists. The goal cut the deficit to 3-2 and injected fresh urgency into the contest heading into the final period.

The third period was a tense, back-and-forth affair. Slovakia pushed hard for an equaliser, creating several dangerous chances, but Sweden's defence and goaltending held firm.

With time running out and Slovakia's net empty in favour of an extra attacker, Swedish captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 17:46 of the third period. The 4-2 scoreline flattered Sweden slightly in terms of the run of play, but Tre Kronor's efficiency in front of goal told the story.

Late penalties for roughing — Oliver Okuliar for Slovakia and Oskar Sundqvist for Sweden — were incidental to the result.

Ivar Stenberg was the standout performer, notching the game-winning goal with a spectacular individual effort. Jakob Silfverberg continued to show his value in big moments with a crucial go-ahead goal in the second period. Martin Chromiak was Slovakia's brightest spark, scoring the opener and causing problems for the Swedish defence throughout.

This result sealed Sweden's passage to the quarterfinals, where they faced tournament hosts Switzerland on May 28. The Swiss edged Sweden 4-2 in that quarterfinal before eventually going on to win gold on home ice. Slovakia, despite a spirited campaign that included this tight contest with Tre Kronor, were eliminated after failing to secure the points needed from their final group-stage game.

Sweden finished the preliminary round second in Group B behind Canada. The Swedes took 15 points from seven games (5-0-1-1), while Slovakia fell short of the knockout stage with a 3-0-1-3 record.

Sweden entered as heavy favourites and delivered, though Slovakia's early goal and power-play strike ensured the underdogs covered the +1.5 puck line for those backing them with the handicap. The six total goals hit the Over 5.5 line. Stenberg's game-winner in the second period proved the pivotal moment for live betting.

Final Score: Sweden 4 – 2 Slovakia

Sweden 1-1-2 — 4

Slovakia 1-1-0 — 2