Finland Downs Sweden 4-1 in Statement Olympic Win at Milano Cortina
Friday, Feb. 14, 2026 (ET) — Finland rebounded from an opening loss with a convincing 4-1 victory over rival Sweden in the men's hockey tournament at Milano Cortina, delivering a physical, disciplined performance that showcased depth and stifling goaltending.
Game summary: Early push, controlled finish
Finland struck first and built a two-goal lead in the opening period, then weathered a Swedish charge before closing the game out in the third. A deflected shot from defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo produced the initial goal, a fortuitous tally that set the tone. Finland's Anton Lundell added a second goal late in the first after a quick sequence involving Eetu Luostarinen and Niko Mikkola.
Goalie performance and defensive effort
Juuse Saros was steady between the pipes, turning aside 34 shots and keeping the Finns in control when Sweden mounted pressure. Finland’s penalty kill was a major factor — the unit went 5-for-6, denying Sweden a prolonged power-play opportunity and killing momentum at several key moments.
Florida Panthers’ Finns drive the attack
Players who have been central to recent NHL success for Florida were prominent for Finland on Friday. Lundell, Luostarinen and Mikkola were all heavily involved in the decisive plays, combining effective puck management with timely finishing and responsible defensive work. Their chemistry was visible and helped Finland erase the sting of a 4-1 loss in its tournament opener.
Turning points and the physical edge
Sweden cut the lead in the second when Rasmus Dahlin unleashed a heavy shot from the blue line, but Finland answered quickly with a back-breaking short-handed goal from Joel Armia. The shorty came after Finland turned a collapsing Swedish attack into a fast transition leading to Armia’s finish. The contest also featured notable physicality — Finnish captain Mikael Granlund delivered a hit that rattled Sweden’s Elias Pettersson and reinforced Finland’s willingness to play a hard, uncompromising style.
Injury concern and late insurance
Late in the third period Niko Mikkola blocked a shot and walked off the ice visibly limping, leaving the arena for treatment and not returning to the game. There was no immediate update on his status following the match. With the clock winding down, Mikko Rantanen sealed the result with an empty-net goal, ensuring the 4-1 final and giving Finland a morale-boosting result moving forward.
What the result means for Group B
The victory lifts Finland back into contention in Group B after the opening upset loss. It also injects life into the early tournament picture, where goal differential and timely points will matter during the preliminary round running Feb. 11–22, 2026 (ET). Sweden will regroup quickly; its squad believes a stronger third period can carry over to the next matchup. Finland, meanwhile, will look to build on the momentum, leaning on goaltending and its penalty kill as the backbone of its tournament push.
Finland’s win delivered what the team needed most: a confident response against a traditional rival and a demonstration that its depth — particularly talent with recent championship experience — can influence play on the Olympic stage.
