Canada rallies late to reach 2026 Olympic men's hockey gold-medal game

Nathan MacKinnon’s power-play goal with just 35.2 seconds remaining propelled Canada to a 3-2 victory over Finland in the semifinals of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.[1][2] The dramatic comeback sends the Canadians into Sunday’s gold-medal game at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, where they will chase a third straight Olympic title when NHL stars participate.[2] Despite trailing by two goals midway through the game and missing injured captain Sidney Crosby, Canada showed resilience against Finland’s stifling trap defense.

Connor McDavid, wearing the “C” in Crosby’s absence, set up the winner with a perfect saucer pass, highlighting Canada’s depth and star power. The win keeps alive dreams of an all-North American final, pending the result of the USA-Slovakia semifinal still underway.

The semifinal thriller: How Canada turned the tide

Finland struck first in the opening period when Mikko Rantanen capitalized on a goaltending interference call against Sam Bennett, beating Jordan Binnington to give the Finns a 1-0 lead. Canada had chances, including a close shot from rookie Macklin Celebrini saved by Juuse Saros, but the period belonged to Finland’s disciplined play.

The second period saw Finland extend their lead to 2-0 on Erik Haula’s shorthanded backhander off a Joel Armia pass during a Canadian power play. Canada dominated shots 14-3 in the frame, tilting the ice toward Saros, but struggled to convert until Sam Reinhart tipped Cale Makar’s shot with 5:40 left, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with assists from Makar and McDavid.

Momentum shifted decisively in the third. Shea Theodore tied it at 2-2 with 9:26 remaining, firing through traffic past Saros seconds after Brad Marchand tangled with Haula in the crease. Saros robbed MacKinnon with a blocker save moments later, but Niko Mikkola’s high stick sent Canada to the power play.

With the clock ticking under a minute, McDavid threaded a saucer pass over Roope Hintz’s stick to MacKinnon, who tucked it short side with Celebrini screening Saros. Video review confirmed no offside amid roaring Canadian fans, securing the 3-2 win.[1]

Finland pushed late but couldn’t equalize, as Canada’s defense held firm.

Standout stars light up Milan

Nathan MacKinnon emerged as the hero, his late power-play tally a highlight-reel moment that echoed his Colorado Avalanche prowess. The goal, set up by McDavid’s vision, showcased their chemistry on Canada’s top line.[3]

Connor McDavid’s leadership shone through, not just with the assist but in driving play all game while captaining without Crosby. His saucer pass over Hintz became an instant classic.

Youngster Macklin Celebrini impressed with persistent shooting and the crucial screen on the winner, proving his readiness on this stage. In our pre-tournament roster grading, we highlighted his potential impact.

Defensemen Cale Makar and Shea Theodore were pivotal, combining for three assists and the tying goal.

Here are the goal scorers:

• Canada: Sam Reinhart (2nd period), Shea Theodore (3rd, 9:26 left), Nathan MacKinnon (3rd, 0:35.2, PP)
• Finland: Mikko Rantanen (1st), Erik Haula (2nd, SH)

Jordan Binnington stood tall in net for Canada.

Navigating injuries and Finland’s trap

Canada entered without Sidney Crosby, hurt in the quarterfinal overtime win over Czechia where Mitch Marner scored the decider after Nick Suzuki tied it late. For more on that dramatic quarterfinal and Crosby’s early exit, see our coverage here.[4]

The Finns’ trap slowed Canada’s speedsters, intercepting pucks before deep entries. Yet, Reinhart, Marchand, and Celebrini refused to get frustrated, generating chances relentlessly.

McDavid stepped up as captain, rallying the bench after Haula’s shorthanded goal quieted the pro-Canadian crowd.

The power play proved decisive late, converting after earlier misses.

Canada’s depth—25 NHLers—eventually wore down Finland, outshooting them decisively post-second period.

Road to gold: From opener to semis

Canada opened with a 5-0 rout of Czechia, then advanced past them again in quarters via OT heroics. Their path mirrors dominance, despite scares.

The roster, packed with Avalanche, Oilers, and Bruins stars, was built for this. Full ESPN recap.[1]

Now unbeaten in knockout rounds, they eye Sunday’s final.

Bronze awaits Finland vs. the USA-Slovakia loser.

Gold-medal showdown awaits

The final pits Canada against the winner of USA-Slovakia on Sunday, February 22, at 8:10 a.m. ET (2:10 p.m. CET).[5] Unbeaten USA advanced past Sweden in OT quarters; Slovakia upset Germany.

An all-NA final would cap a year after the 4 Nations Face-Off gold-medal clash.

Canada seeks to repeat 2014 and 2018 golds (NHL eras). Slovakia, led by stars like Juraj Slafkovsky, poses upset threat if they win.

USA boasts Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel—familiar foes.

Canada’s experience edges them as favorites.

Canada’s late rally embodies their pedigree: never out of it, always finding a way. With McDavid and MacKinnon peaking, the birthplace of hockey eyes another coronation. Win gold, and it cements this group’s legacy amid women’s silver setback yesterday. The stage is set for Milan magic—what it means for NHL stars’ Olympic era.