Canada Advances to Olympic Hockey Final Despite Crosby Injury, Dramatic Comeback
Canada’s men’s hockey team secured a spot in the Olympic final, overcoming a resilient Finland squad 4-2 in a thrilling semifinal matchup on Friday, February 20, 2026. The victory came despite playing without captain Sidney Crosby, who was sidelined due to a lower-body injury sustained in the quarterfinal game against Czechia.
Crosby’s Absence and McDavid’s Leadership
The Canadian team faced a significant challenge with the absence of their captain, Sidney Crosby. Hockey Canada confirmed Crosby would not play, with Connor McDavid stepping in to wear the ‘C’ for the game, supported by alternates Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon. Despite extensive efforts, including a custom brace, Crosby was unable to recover in time for the semifinal.
Finland Takes Early Lead
Finland demonstrated early strength, taking a 1-0 lead in the first period thanks to a goal from Mikko Rantanen. They extended their advantage to 2-0 in the second period with a goal from Erik Haula whereas on a penalty kill.
Canada’s Resilient Response
Canada mounted a comeback in the second period, with Sam Reinhart reducing the deficit to 2-1. The momentum continued into the third period, where Shea Theodore scored to tie the game at 2-2. The team’s ability to respond after falling behind highlighted their depth and determination.
Controversial Penalty and MacKinnon’s Game-Winner
A late penalty call against Niko Mikkola for a high-sticking penalty on Nathan MacKinnon proved controversial, particularly given the presence of Canadian officials. MacKinnon capitalized on the power play, scoring the game-winning goal with just 36 seconds remaining, assisted by Connor McDavid. The goal sparked debate, with Finnish hockey legend Teemu Selänne expressing his frustration with the call on social media.
Finland’s Challenge and Final Outcome
Following MacKinnon’s goal, Finland challenged the play for a potential offside, but the call stood. The unsuccessful challenge resulted in an additional two-minute penalty for Finland, effectively sealing their fate. Canada will now advance to the gold medal game, facing either the USA or Slovakia on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Looking Ahead to the Gold Medal Game
Canada is aiming for its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 2014. Nathan MacKinnon expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed, emphasizing their strong performance and determination. The final promises to be a highly anticipated contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused Sidney Crosby to miss the semifinal game? Crosby sustained a lower-body injury during the quarterfinal game against Czechia.
- Who captained Canada in Crosby’s absence? Connor McDavid served as captain for the semifinal game against Finland.
- What was the final score of the Canada vs. Finland game? Canada won 4-2.
- Who scored the game-winning goal for Canada? Nathan MacKinnon scored the game-winning goal with 36 seconds left in the third period.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Connor McDavid’s performance in the final. His leadership and offensive skills will be crucial for Canada’s success.
Stay tuned for updates on the gold medal game and further coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Share your thoughts on Canada’s victory and the controversial penalty call in the comments below!
