Canada just produced a jaw-dropping late swing in the Milano Cortina 2026 men’s hockey semifinal, grabbing a 3–2 lead over Finland on a clutch strike from Nathan MacKinnon with only 35.2 seconds left in the third period.
MacKinnon delivers with 35.2 seconds left
The go-ahead moment arrived at P3 0:35.2: MacKinnon unloaded a clean shot that beat Juuse Saros, flipping the score to Canada 3, Finland 2 with under a minute remaining. With the clock bleeding out, Canada suddenly sat within touching distance of the gold medal game.
Canada rallies without Sidney Crosby
Canada’s push carried extra weight with captain Sidney Crosby sidelined, forcing leadership shifts and line adjustments. Finland had stretches of control and had put Canada in a chase position earlier, but the Canadians stayed composed, found the equalizer, and then landed the late knockout blow.
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Match Summary
Canada staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Finland 3–2 in the men’s hockey semifinal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, advancing to the gold medal game.
After trailing 2–0, Canada responded with three unanswered goals. Sam Reinhart and Shea Theodore brought the game level before Nathan MacKinnon delivered the decisive moment — scoring on a power play with just 35.2 seconds remaining in the third period.
Finland had taken control early through a power-play goal from Mikko Rantanen and a short-handed strike from Erik Haula, but Canada’s late push proved decisive. Playing without injured captain Sidney Crosby, Canada showed resilience to secure its place in the gold medal match.
Key Highlights
- Finland led 2–0 (Rantanen power-play goal, Haula short-handed goal)
- Canada scored three unanswered goals to win 3–2
- Goals by Reinhart and Theodore tied the game
- MacKinnon’s power-play winner came with 35.2 seconds left
- Finland challenged for offside; the goal stood after review
- No overtime — ending a five-game OT streak in the tournament
- Canada advances to the Olympic gold medal game
- Victory secured without injured captain Sidney Crosby
Source and live updates: The Athletic live blog.
