Slovan Bratislava secured a 4-2 victory over HK Nitra in Game 3 of the Tipsport Liga playoff final, taking a 2-1 series lead in the best-of-seven matchup. The win came on home ice at Ondrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava on April 23, 2026, with Slovan striking twice in the final period to seal the result.
The game opened with Nitra striking first on the power play when Tomáš Čederle beat Slovan goaltender Kari Kiviaho at 14:00 of the first period. Bratislava answered quickly, with Richard Acolatse tying the game at 15:18 assisted by Marcinko and Bačik. Just over a minute later, Lukas Maier put Slovan ahead 2-1 with assists from Pecararo, and Elson.
Nitra responded in the second period, scoring shorthanded when Marián Lacka beat Kiviaho at 29:00 to tie the game at 2-2. The third period remained tight until Slovan regained the lead on the power play at 46:00, as Peter Šimun scored with assists from Dmowski and Pecararo. With Nitra pressing for an equalizer late, Slovan added an insurance goal when Michal Varga scored into the empty net at 60:00, assisted by Dmowski and Marcinko.
The victory marked Slovan’s first home win in the final series after dropping Games 1 and 2 in Nitra, where the combined total reached 17 goals. Game 3 stood in contrast as the most tactically disciplined game of the series to date, with both teams managing just two power-play opportunities each and Slovan committing only one shorthanded situation against Nitra’s four.
Slovan’s effectiveness with the man advantage proved decisive, converting two of their power-play chances although holding Nitra to one goal in four situations. Goaltender Kari Kiviaho made key stops throughout, particularly during Nitra’s late surge, before Varga’s empty-netter secured the outcome.
Following the game, Slovan held a 2-1 lead in the series, with Game 4 scheduled for April 24, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Local time back at Ondrej Nepela Arena. The Tipsport Liga, known as the Slovak Extraliga prior to the 2025-26 season for sponsorship reasons, continues to determine Slovakia’s national ice hockey champion.
The win halted Nitra’s recent dominance in Bratislava and gave Slovan crucial home-ice momentum as the series shifted back to the capital. Both teams now prepare for Game 4, with Slovan aiming to extend their lead and Nitra seeking to force a decisive fifth game in Nitra.
As the playoff final progresses, Bratislava remains the focal point of Slovakia’s hockey landscape, with the winner set to claim the Tipsport Liga title and represent the league in European competition. Fans can follow updates through official league channels and team websites as the best-of-seven series continues.
Slovan Bratislava will look to close out the series at home in Game 4, while HK Nitra will seek to regain ice and force a return trip to Nitra for potential Games 5 and 6. The next game is scheduled for April 24, 2026 at 18:30 CET (16:30 UTC) at Ondrej Nepela Arena.
Stay tuned for continued coverage of the Tipsport Liga final as Slovan Bratislava and HK Nitra battle for supremacy in Slovak ice hockey.
