Finnish Stars Leverage Dallas Chemistry for Olympic Gold Repeat
The NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off took place in February 2025, setting the stage for the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. This event featured top-tier hockey that excited fans and highlighted the potential for international competition. One notable event occurred during the Stanley Cup playoffs, where the Dallas Stars made history.
Historic Moment for Finnish Players
On May 23, 2025, the Dallas Stars fielded five Finnish players simultaneously in a playoff game against the Edmonton Oilers. This was a first for the NHL. The players involved were:
- Mikko Rantanen
- Roope Hintz
- Mikael Granlund
- Esa Lindell
- Miro Heiskanen
This historic lineup is expected to reunite for Finland in the upcoming Olympic tournament, starting with a match against Slovakia.
Defending Olympic Champions
Finland’s national team aims to defend its gold medal from the 2022 Beijing Games. This will be the first Olympic competition featuring NHL players since 2014. The nation’s previous Olympic appearance, which included NHL players, resulted in a bronze medal.
Team Formation and Expectations
General manager Jere Lehtinen, a former Dallas Star, has crafted a strong lineup. He selected several current Stars players and reunited them with former NHL Finns:
- Mikael Granlund (formerly with Dallas, now Anaheim)
- Joel Kiviranta (currently with Colorado)
The top line will consist of Rantanen, Hintz, and Granlund, who demonstrated effective chemistry last postseason. Additionally, Lindell and Heiskanen will form a robust defensive pairing.
Chemistry Boost and Personal Connections
The Dallas players believe their established chemistry will enhance their Olympic performance. Last postseason, the trio of Rantanen, Hintz, and Granlund accumulated 44 points over 18 games.
As for defense, Heiskanen and Lindell have been pivotal, averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per game. Heiskanen missed the 4 Nations Face-Off due to injury, but he is back in action, much to his relief.
Childhood Dreams and Support
For many players, competing in the Olympics is a long-held aspiration. Lindell recalls watching Finland’s silver medal victory in 2006. Connections extend beyond the rink; he will reconnect with Bruins goalie Joonas Korpisalo, a former classmate.
With a small population of about 5.6 million, Finnish players often know each other well. Rantanen shares a past with alternate captain Sebastian Aho, along with local ties to players like Kaapo Kakko and Rasmus Ristolainen.
Excitement from Home
This proximity to their homeland, with only a one-hour time difference from Dallas to Helsinki, means family and friends can easily watch the games. Many are planning to travel to support their players, enhancing the sense of camaraderie.
Even within a competitive environment, the four Dallas Finns appreciate their connection to supporters back home. Rantanen emphasizes that, despite potential rivalries, their fans remain steadfast allies.
As the Olympics approach, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament for Team Finland, leveraging their strong Dallas connections.
