MacKinnon's Last-Second Miracle Sends Canada to Olympic Men's Hockey Gold Medal Game vs. USA
Canada's men's Olympic hockey team is heading to the gold medal game after one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Olympic memory. Nathan MacKinnon buried a power play winner with just 35.2 seconds remaining in regulation to complete a stunning three-goal comeback, lifting Canada past Finland 3-2 in the men's Olympic hockey semifinal Friday at Santagiulia Arena in Milan, Italy. The Canada Finland hockey showdown served as a springboard to what promises to be an all-time Olympic final, as Canada now faces the United States in Sunday's gold medal game at 8:10 a.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Canada Finland Score: How the Comeback Unfolded
The Canada Finland game began in the worst possible fashion for the red and white. Despite having fewer stars on their lineup, Finland dominated the first period. Sebastian Aho and Erik Haula scored for Finland, building a 2-0 advantage that seemed to silence Canada's star-studded offense for extended stretches.
An opportunity finally opened up for Canada three minutes into the second period, but instead of navigating the puck past Saros, it was Finland's Erik Haula who picked up a pass from Joel Armia and broke away to score a shorthanded backhanded goal, making it 2-0.
Canada slowly clawed back. Sam Reinhart scored a power play goal with 5:40 to go in the second period, assisted by Cale Makar and McDavid. Then, in the third, Shea Theodore tied the score, taking a point shot off Makar's assist. And with the clock nearly expired, MacKinnon sealed it.
Nathan MacKinnon's Winning Goal and McDavid's Record Night
MacKinnon became the second player to score a go-ahead goal in the final minute of regulation during an Olympics featuring NHL players, and the first to do so in the playoff round. It was a moment born from sheer desperation and relentless shift work.
Connor McDavid — who wore the "C" with Sidney Crosby sidelined — finished with two assists and cemented his status as the tournament's dominant force. McDavid set a new Olympic record for points by an NHL player in a single tournament with 13, in five games.
Canada is the first team to have consecutive comeback wins in the playoffs of an Olympics featuring NHL participation to advance to the gold medal game.
Finland Olympic Hockey Team Falls Short Despite Saros Heroics
The Finland Olympic hockey team was not outplayed — they were simply out-willed at the very end. Juuse Saros made 36 saves in an extraordinary performance between the pipes. Finland unsuccessfully challenged the MacKinnon goal for offside.
Finland's men's hockey tournament ultimately ended on a positive note: Finland won the bronze medal in men's hockey at the Olympics for a third consecutive time with NHL players participating, beating Slovakia 6-1 on Saturday.
Olympic Men's Hockey Bracket and Schedule
With the semifinal round complete, the men's Olympic hockey bracket has resolved to its two finalists. Here's where things stand:
| Round | Matchup | Score | Date/Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semifinal | Canada vs. Finland | Canada wins 3-2 | Feb. 20, 2026 |
| Semifinal | USA vs. Slovakia | USA wins 6-2 | Feb. 20, 2026 |
| Bronze Medal | Finland vs. Slovakia | Finland wins 6-1 | Feb. 21, 2026 |
| Gold Medal | Canada vs. USA | TBD | Feb. 22, 8:10 a.m. ET |
USA Men's Hockey Next Game: Gold Medal Showdown With Hellebuyck
The USA men's hockey schedule now reaches its ultimate destination: a gold medal clash against Canada today, Sunday Feb. 22 at 8:10 a.m. ET at Santagiulia Arena in Milan. The US men's hockey schedule through the tournament saw them beat Latvia, Denmark, and Germany in group play, defeat Sweden 2-1 in the quarterfinals, and rout Slovakia 6-2 in the semis.
U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has the best save percentage of the tournament at .9474, having conceded just five of the 95 shots he faced. Team USA is headlined by captain Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Brady and Matthew Tkachuk.
On Canada's side, the Crosby situation looms large. Sidney Crosby will not be in the lineup on Sunday after missing the Finland semifinal with a lower-body injury sustained in the quarterfinal against Czechia.
Brad Marchand, Shea Theodore, and Canada's Supporting Cast
While McDavid and MacKinnon command the spotlight, Canada's depth has been a tournament-long story. Brad Marchand brings championship experience and edge that can shift momentum in high-pressure games. Shea Theodore's tying goal against Finland — a booming point shot off a Makar feed — demonstrated why the defenceman's offensive instincts are invaluable in elimination hockey.
Canada also brings Nathan MacKinnon, the leading scorer in the NHL this season, as its second-line center — a luxury no other nation can match.
The two teams last met in the gold medal game in 2010, which Canada won 3-2 in overtime thanks to a game-winning goal by Sidney Crosby. Now, 16 years later, Crosby will watch from the bench as his teammates attempt to replicate that magic without him. Puck drop is at 8:10 a.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, CBC, TSN, and Sportsnet.
