Canada vs. Finland: A Clash of Hockey Titans at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The semi-final matchups for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are set. Canada, Finland, Slovakia, and the USA have all secured their spots in the final four. On Friday, Canada will face Finland at 16:40 for a chance to compete for the gold, while the USA will battle Slovakia at 21:10.
Canada’s Star-Studded Squad: The Gold Medal Favorites
Canada entered the tournament as the clear gold medal favorite, going undefeated in the preliminary round with decisive wins over France, Switzerland, and Czechia. While they stumbled slightly in the quarter-finals, requiring overtime to defeat Czechia 4-3, their overall performance has been dominant.
The Canadian roster boasts an impressive array of NHL stars. Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini, and Nathan MacKinnon lead the offensive charge. McDavid currently leads the tournament in scoring with eleven points (two goals, nine assists), followed closely by Celebrini with nine points (five goals, four assists). MacKinnon has six points (three goals, three assists).
Defensively, Canada features highly mobile and offensively gifted players, notably Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, widely considered one of the best defensemen in the world.
Goaltender Jordan Binnington has too proven reliable, stopping 92.2% of shots faced.
Finland’s Resilience: An Upset Potential
Finland began their Olympic journey with a disappointing loss to Slovakia but rebounded with victories against Sweden and a resounding 11-0 win over host Italy. In the quarter-finals, they overcame a 0-2 deficit against Switzerland, winning 3-2 in overtime.
Finland’s strength lies in their cohesive team play and depth. Artturi Lehkonen and Mikko Rantanen lead the team with five points each, followed by four players with four points apiece. With the exception of defenseman Mikko Lehtonen, the team consists entirely of NHL players.
Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, both teammates with Rantanen and Roope Hintz on the Dallas Stars, are key defensive leaders, with Heiskanen being a particularly impactful player.
Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators has been the sole goaltender for Finland, delivering a strong performance with a 93.81% save percentage, ranking third in the tournament.
The Advantage Lies with Canada, But Upsets Happen
The advantage clearly favors Canada, whose all-star team is exceptionally strong. They lead the tournament in offensive output with six goals per game and boast the best power play at 41.67%. Their defense is also solid, allowing only 1.49 goals per game. However, Finland has a history of succeeding as underdogs in international tournaments.
To have a chance, Finland must rely on their traditional strengths: disciplined, consistent team play and a stellar performance from goaltender Saros.
Did you know?
Finland has a strong tradition in international hockey, often exceeding expectations despite not always having the most individually talented roster.
FAQ
Who are the key players for Canada?
Connor McDavid, Macklin Celebrini, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar are key players for Canada.
Who are the key players for Finland?
Artturi Lehkonen, Mikko Rantanen, Miro Heiskanen, and Juuse Saros are key players for Finland.
What is the schedule for the semi-final games?
Canada vs. Finland will be played on Friday at 16:40, and the USA vs. Slovakia will be played at 21:10.
Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics being held?
The 2026 Winter Olympics are being held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
What is Finland’s save percentage?
Juuse Saros has a save percentage of 93.81%.
What is Canada’s save percentage?
Jordan Binnington has a save percentage of 92.2%.
What is Canada’s goals per game?
Canada averages 6 goals per game.
What is Finland’s goals per game?
Finland averages 3.75 goals per game.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on special teams – Canada’s power play could be a deciding factor in their matchup against Finland.
Want to stay up-to-date on all the action from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics? Visit the official Olympics website for schedules, results, and more!
