Drama in Milan! MacKinnon scores late, Canada tops Finland to advance to gold medal game in a 3-2 thriller. See how Connor McDavid broke records and set up a historic showdown against Team USA.
The 2026 Winter Olympics just delivered another heart-stopping chapter in hockey history. In a game that tested the nerves of an entire nation, the top-seeded Canadians proved they are never out of a fight. While Finland played a nearly perfect defensive game, the headline remains: MacKinnon scores late, Canada tops Finland to advance to gold medal game after a stunning 3-2 comeback victory at Santagiulia Arena.
Semifinal Breakdown: Canada vs. Finland
| Feature | Details |
| Final Score | Canada 3, Finland 2 |
| Winning Goal | Nathan MacKinnon (35.2 seconds left) |
| Record Broken | Connor McDavid (13 points in one Olympics) |
| Goaltender Stats | Juuse Saros (36 saves) / Jordan Binnington (15 saves) |
| Gold Medal Game | Canada vs. USA (Sunday) |
A Cardiac Comeback in Milan
For the second time in just three days, Canadian hockey fans were pushed to the edge of their seats. After a physical win over Czechia, many expected a smoother ride in the semifinals. Instead, Finland jumped out to a 2-0 lead, stifling the Canadian offense with a masterclass in defensive positioning. However, the narrative shifted when MacKinnon scores late, Canada tops Finland to advance to gold medal game, marking a historic back-to-back comeback run for the Maple Leaf.
Finland’s goals from Mikko Rantanen and Erik Haula seemed to have the game on ice. But as captain Connor McDavid noted after the game, this group is remarkably MacKinnon scores comfortable playing from behind. They didn’t panic; they simply went to work.
McDavid Makes History on the Way to Gold
With Sidney Crosby sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Connor McDavid stepped into the captaincy and into the record books. With two assists in the semifinal, McDavid now has 13 points in just five games. This surpasses the legendary marks of Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu for the most points in a single Olympics featuring NHL players.
The defining moment came during a grueling final shift. After a relentless cycle in the Finnish zone, McDavid sent a perfect saucer pass to Nathan MacKinnon. The resulting goal ensured that MacKinnon scores late, Canada tops Finland to advance to gold medal game. It was a display of “best-on-best” hockey that reminded the world why McDavid and MacKinnon are the most feared duo in the sport.
The Defensive Wall and the Power Play Spark
While the final goal got the glory, the comeback started with grit. Sam Reinhart gave Canada life with a second-period power-play goal, skillfully deflecting a Cale Makar wrist shot. Then, midway through the third, defenseman Shea Theodore tied the game with a absolute rocket of a slapshot through traffic.
Finland challenged the winning goal for offside, but the call stood. The resilience of the Canadian squad was evident as they overcame a Finnish defense that allowed very few high-danger chances. Because MacKinnon scores late, Canada tops Finland to advance to gold medal game, the team has proven they can win “greasy” games just as well as high-scoring ones.
The Ultimate Showdown: Canada vs. USA
The stage is now set for the game every hockey fan has been dreaming of. By securing this victory, Canada sets up a gold medal clash against the United States on Sunday. The Americans are coming off a dominant 6-2 win over Slovakia, meaning both North American giants are playing their best hockey at exactly the right time.
The big question heading into Sunday remains the status of Sidney Crosby. While MacKinnon scores late, Canada tops Finland to advance to gold medal game, having Sid back in the lineup would be a massive emotional and tactical boost for the final. Regardless, the momentum from this dramatic semifinal win will be a powerful tool for Coach Jon Cooper’s squad.
Conclusion
Hockey is a game of sixty minutes, and Canada used every single second of them on Friday. The fact that MacKinnon scores late, Canada tops Finland to advance to gold medal game shows the depth and character of this roster. They have survived two straight elimination scares and now stand one win away from Olympic glory. On Sunday, the rivalry of the century resumes, and if it’s anything like this semifinal, the world is in for a treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much time was left when Nathan MacKinnon scored?
Nathan MacKinnon scored the game-winning goal with just 35.2 seconds remaining in the third period.
2. What record did Connor McDavid break?
McDavid set the record for most points (13) in a single Olympic tournament involving NHL players, passing the previous record of 11.
3. Will Sidney Crosby play in the gold medal game?
Sidney Crosby has not been officially ruled out for Sunday. He is currently being evaluated for a lower-body injury.
4. Who will Canada play for the gold medal?
Canada will face the United States, who defeated Slovakia 6-2 in their semifinal matchup.
5. Why did Finland challenge the final goal?
Finland challenged the goal for a potential offside, but after a video review, the goal was upheld, confirming that MacKinnon scores late, Canada tops Finland to advance to gold medal game.
