Canada rallied from a 2-0 deficit against Finland in the semifinal of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games to claim a 3-2 victory and advance to the gold medal match. Early in the second period, Finland’s Erik Haula gave his team a strong lead, but Canada responded with three unanswered goals to secure the win. The comeback highlighted Canada’s resilience, even in the absence of star Sidney Crosby.
This victory guarantees Canada a third straight Olympic final featuring NHL players, where they will face off against the United States for the gold medal. The Canadian squad maintained focus and patience throughout the game to reverse the momentum in their favor.
Jon Cooper Teases Juuse Saros Following Finland’s Loss
After the match, Canadian head coach Jon Cooper made a playful comment about Finland’s goaltender Juuse Saros during a conversation with Sports TV host Julie Stewart-Binks. Cooper humorously asked, “What’s his commercial?… no goals,” referencing Saros, who plays for the Nashville Predators. Saros appeared in a MassMutual advertisement titled No Goals, where he repeatedly replies “No goals” in response to questions, underscoring his goal to keep pucks out of the net during games.
Saros exhibited strong performances throughout the tournament, posting a 1.80 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage, including 36 saves against Canada in the semifinal. Prior to this game, he had been exceptional with a 1.34 goals-against average and a .946 save percentage over three preliminary matches, helping Finland secure a quarterfinal bye by finishing fourth in their group.
Despite Cooper’s joke, Saros remained a crucial factor in keeping Finland competitive late into the third period. His solid goaltending was instrumental in Finland’s performance against the Canadians.
Juuse Saros Comments on Physical Play During Game
Finnish goaltender Saros also addressed a specific play when Canada’s Sam Bennett made contact in the crease during the first period. Speaking with Sportsnet reporter Luke Fox, Saros remarked,
I mean, he does that all the time. So, it’s part of his game. You guys have seen him multiple times, so I think you know.
After this moment, Saros stayed composed and continued to make key saves as the game progressed.
Key Contributions from Canada’s Core Players Propel Victory
Canada’s offense was powered by Connor McDavid, who notched two assists, including the primary setup on MacKinnon’s decisive late goal. Defenders Cale Makar and Macklin Celebrini also produced critical plays that helped Canada regain control of the rink. Even without Crosby, sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Team Canada exerted pressure on Finland during crucial stretches and controlled the puck effectively.
Finland was unable to match Canada’s intensity in the final minutes and now shifts focus to competing against Slovakia for the bronze medal. Meanwhile, Canada prepares for a highly anticipated gold medal contest against the United States.
Jon Cooper asked about Juuse Saros:
“what’s his commercial?… no goals”
— Julie Stewart-Binks (@JSB_TV) February 20, 2026
Juuse Saros on Sam Bennett crashing his crease: “I mean, he does that all the time. So, it's part of his game.”
Do you think it was on purpose?
“You guys have seen him multiple times, so I think you know.”
🇫🇮 🇨🇦
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) February 20, 2026
