Canada Advances to Gold Medal Game, Finland to Compete for Bronze at 2026 Olympics
Team Canada secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Finland in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 semifinal, earning a place in the gold medal game against the United States. Finland will now contend for the bronze medal.
Canada’s Comeback Seals Victory
The Canadians overcame a 2-0 deficit, scoring three unanswered goals, including a game-winner by forward Nathan MacKinnon with just 35.2 seconds remaining in the third period. This victory propels Canada into a highly anticipated gold medal match.
Finland’s Olympic Medal Count Continues
Despite the semifinal loss, Finland has consistently demonstrated success in Olympic hockey. This marks the fifth medal for Finland in the six Olympics that have included NHL players. Their medal history includes a silver in 2006 and bronze medals in 1998, 2010, 2014, and now 2026. Canada currently has four medals (gold in 2002, 2010, 2014) and will add to that total in the gold medal game.
Previous Olympic Successes
Finland previously captured their first gold medal in men’s ice hockey at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, an event that did not feature NHL players. This current Olympics represents the first time NHL players have participated since the 2014 Sochi Games.
Player Reactions
Disappointed, sad, upset, a lot of emotions,”forward Erik Haula said.I kind of feel … Flat,”he continued.I don’t realize how to explain it.”NHL.com
Slovakia’s Disappointment
Slovakia matched its best finish in an Olympics with NHL players, reaching the fourth-place position. They also finished fourth at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where they lost to Finland in the bronze medal game.
I think being fourth and being last is the same thing,”forward Juraj Slafkovsky said.You don’t get a medal, so it [stinks].”Source Content
Looking Ahead
Finland will now focus on securing the bronze medal, with forward Armia stating, This is a pretty considerable deal to win Olympic bronze, especially in a tournament like this where every nation has their best players,”
Source Content. Canada will face the United States in the gold medal game on Sunday at 8:10 a.m. ET, broadcast on Peacock, NBC, ICI Tele, CBC Gem, CBC, SN, TSN, and RDS.
FAQ
- When did Finland win their first Olympic gold medal in men’s ice hockey? At the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
- When was the last Olympics to include NHL players before 2026? The 2014 Sochi Games.
- Who will Canada play in the gold medal game? The United States.
Did you know? Finland has won a medal in five of the six Olympics that have included NHL players.
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026!