Roope Hintz's direct words about his performance in the Olympics: "It was not what was expected"

MILANO.

Roope Hintz scored a valuable 3-1 goal as Finland defeated Slovakia 6-1 in the Olympic bronze medal match. Hintz’s goal essentially decided the game.

– The first goal, it didn’t make much noise. The biggest thing was that we got a two-goal lead. Of course, a goal is a goal in games like that, it’s great to score, Hintz said after the game.

Hintz came to the tournament with high expectations. With Aleksander Barkov sidelined due to injury, Hintz was given the role of the top center and the responsibility for results. It could have gone better. Hintz ultimately recorded 1+3 points in six games.

– It wasn’t [what was expected in terms of points], that is known. I don’t know where it went wrong, Hintz said frankly.

The Dallas Stars center couldn’t say if the pressure had anything to do with the lack of points. However, Hintz did wake up in big moments: in the quarterfinals against Switzerland just over a minute before the end of regulation and now against Slovakia in the bronze medal match.

– It was close to making it to the finals. Luckily we managed to pull it together today and won the bronze. I don’t know if we met expectations, but at least we got something out of it, Hintz said.

– The semifinal disappointment was heavy, but we wanted to win the bronze. Winning at the Olympics is always a big deal.

Jaakko Perttilä
X: @JaakkoPerttila

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League | 26.10.2026 11:45