MILAN, Italy – A collective sigh of relief swept through the Canadian contingent in Milan on Friday as Nathan MacKinnon’s late goal secured a semi-final victory over Finland in the men’s Olympic hockey tournament. The dramatic win propels Canada into a highly anticipated gold medal game against the United States on Sunday.
The Canadians, facing a determined Finnish side, found themselves in a familiar position – needing a late push to secure the result. After falling behind, they mounted a three-goal comeback, culminating in MacKinnon’s decisive strike with just 35.2 seconds remaining in the third period. The 3-2 victory marked Canada’s second consecutive come-from-behind win in the playoff rounds, following a 4-3 overtime thriller against Czechia in the quarter-finals.
The United States booked their place in the final earlier on Friday with a dominant 6-2 victory over Slovakia, setting the stage for a North American showdown. This will be the third straight Olympic tournament involving NHL players to feature a Canada-USA gold medal game.
Despite acknowledging an imperfect performance, Canadian fans in Milan expressed elation and confidence as they looked ahead to Sunday’s championship contest. “It’s incredible. Honestly, they played until the end, then we got the victory,” one fan told TVA Nouvelles. Another added, “We are very proud to be Canadian.”
The game wasn’t without its tense moments. “It was a little annoying at first,” remarked a supporter, referencing the team’s tendency to fall behind in the third period. “But they always come back. The players are too strong.” That resilience was on full display against Finland, a team that proved a formidable opponent throughout the tournament.
The victory has ignited a palpable sense of optimism among Canadian fans, with some already predicting a gold medal. “Guaranteed!” exclaimed two fans when asked if they sensed a gold medal within reach. “100%!”
Canada’s path to the final hasn’t been without challenges. They overcame a tough Czechia team in the quarter-finals, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. The win against Finland further solidified their status as a top contender, but the Americans present a different kind of test.
The United States entered the semi-finals as the tournament’s second seed and have been in impressive form, boasting a perfect 6-0 record and an astounding goal differential of 31-1. They shut out Sweden 5-0 in the semi-final, continuing a streak of five consecutive shutouts. The Americans’ offensive firepower, led by Caroline Harvey, has been a key factor in their success.
This gold medal game represents a continuation of a storied rivalry between Canada and the United States in women’s hockey. The two nations have met in seven of the eight Olympic finals in the sport’s history, with Canada holding a 4-3 edge in those championship matchups. Team USA won gold in 1998 and 2018, both times defeating Canada.
For Canada, the victory over Finland was more than just a step towards a gold medal; it was a testament to their unwavering determination and ability to overcome adversity. MacKinnon’s late goal will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the tournament, fueling the team’s confidence as they prepare for their final showdown with the United States. The game, scheduled for Sunday at , promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the men’s Olympic hockey tournament at Milano Cortina 2026.
The stakes are high, and the rivalry is intense. Canada will look to continue its winning ways and add another chapter to its Olympic hockey legacy, while the United States will aim to reclaim the gold medal and assert its dominance on the international stage.
