Canada Hockey: MacKinnon's Last-Second Strike Sends Team Back to Olympic Gold Medal Game

Canada Hockey reached a new high on Friday when a dramatic late goal vaulted the national men’s team into the gold-medal game at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The scoreline flipped in the closing moments of the semifinal, producing elation in the players' hometowns and renewed questions about lineup availability for the final.

Canada Hockey semifinal drama — how the comeback unfolded

Finland opened the contest and later extended the lead with a short-handed goal early in the second period to go up 2-0, a sequence that quieted many watching the game. Team Canada responded by gradually mounting pressure, with Sam Reinhart cutting the deficit to 2-1 later in the second period. The defining moment came in the final minute when Nathan MacKinnon one-timed a pass into the net, giving Canada the lead with roughly 35–36 seconds remaining and sealing a 3-2 comeback victory to reach the gold-medal game.

The game-winning sequence combined sustained forechecking, a decisive wall battle, and a final feed that arrived in a narrow seam. That decisive play followed prolonged preparation of Canada’s top-unit combinations over the past year, with players refining power-play connections first formed at an earlier international gathering.

Cole Harbour reaction and the Crosby connection

The late goal resonated strongly in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, where banners honor both Nathan MacKinnon and another hometown star. Local community members described a euphoric reaction as the semifinal winner landed, drawing parallels to past Olympic moments celebrated in the same community.

Sidney Crosby was unable to play in the semifinal after suffering a lower-body injury in the quarterfinal overtime win against Team Czechia. He was ruled out of the Finland game but has not been ruled out for the gold-medal contest, leaving his availability for the final an open question heading into Sunday.

Lineup notes, leadership and what to watch in the gold-medal game

• Leadership: With Crosby sidelined for the semifinal, Connor McDavid captained the side and remained a central playmaker on the decisive power-play sequence.
• Replacement and ice time: A young forward stepped into Crosby’s power-play spot and logged heavy minutes in the semifinal, finishing with a team-high time on ice and several shots on goal.
• Momentum: Canada’s power-play work and sustained puck retrievals around the net were critical factors in turning the match around after Finland’s early advantage.

Team Canada will contest the gold-medal game on Sunday at 8: 10 a. m. ET. The semifinal win delivered dramatic late-game excitement and has intensified focus on roster decisions, line combinations, and whether the returning veteran who sparked past Olympic glory will be able to suit up for the final.

Recent updates indicate the situation around key player availability may still evolve before the gold-medal game. Details may change as teams finalize their lineups.