Team Canada Keeps Gold Medal Dream Alive With Dramatic Win Over Finland

Connor McDavid greets Mikael Granlund on the ice after the game (Image Credits: Imagn)

Team Canada Keeps Gold Medal Dream Alive With Dramatic Win Over Finland

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Swati Bhatia | Last updated Feb 20, 2026 4:29 PM ET

Team Canada made a remarkable comeback from 0-2 down to book their place in the Olympic gold medal game, defeating Finland 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final clash.

Finland had Canada on the ropes early and looked in full control midway through the second period. But the Canadians refused to panic and pushed back with urgency to turn the game around.

With Sidney Crosby ruled out due to injury, Sam Bennett returned to the lineup. However, things did not start well for Canada. With about three minutes left in the first period, Bennett took a penalty after being involved in a collision with Finnish goalie Jusse Saros.

Finland wasted no time capitalizing. Sebastian Aho moved the puck quickly to Mikko Rantanen, who fired it home to make it 1-0. Soon after, Erik Haula broke free on a shorthanded breakaway and scored to give Finland a surprising 2-0 lead.

Connor McDavid Scripts History In Team Canada’s Comeback Win

Connor McDavid looks to pass during the second period against Finland (Image Credits: Imagn)

Canada finally responded late in the second period. At 34:20, Sam Reinhart tipped in a shot from Cale Makar on the power play to cut the deficit to 2-1 heading into the second intermission. Connor McDavid, who wore the captain’s “C” with Crosby ruled out, tallied a secondary assist and set a new record.

With his 12th point in the tournament, the 29-year-old forward set a new record for most points in a single Winter Olympics during the NHL era. McDavid now has two goals and 10 assists at the Winter Olympics 2026.

Connor McDavid has broken the record for most points in a single Olympic tournament with #NHL players – with at least 4 more periods to play. pic.twitter.com/nBl7oVWEG8
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 20, 2026

From there, Canada controlled the puck. The pressure finally paid off at 50:34 when Shea Theodore scored the equalizer, finishing a play set up by Travis Sanheim to make it 2-2.

With time running out and overtime looking likely, Canada delivered one final punch. With just over 30 seconds remaining in regulation, Nathan MacKinnon scored to give Canada its first lead of the night. The goal completed the comeback and sealed a dramatic 3-2 win.

Now, Canada will play the winner of Slovakia vs. Team USA in the gold medal game on Sunday. Meanwhile, Finland will take on the loser of the second semifinal in the bronze medal game on Saturday.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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