Shea Theodore, one of the Original Misfits, had a relatively subdued Olympic performance until Friday's showdown. With just one assist in four games, his presence was surprisingly quiet on a strong Canadian squad. But Theodore changed the narrative by netting the game-tying goal, setting the stage for Team Canada's thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Finland.
In the third period, Theodore unleashed a laser past Juuse Saros, sparking Canada's rally from a 2-0 deficit. Interestingly, neither Mark Stone nor Mitch Marner managed to score in this game, combining for just two shots on goal, both from Marner. This lack of offensive production made Canada's task more challenging.
Despite the offensive struggles, Theodore stepped up when it mattered most, sending Canada to the gold medal game with his crucial goal. It was a comeback fueled by depth players, and Theodore's heroics ensured a joyful outcome for the Canadians.
Sam Reinhart and Nathan MacKinnon also contributed with power play goals, with MacKinnon delivering in the clutch with just 36 seconds remaining. On the Finnish side, ex-Golden Knight Erik Haula capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity, and Mikko Rantanen opened the scoring, giving Finland an early lead.
Theodore's timely performance underscores a recurring theme for Team Canada. While stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid often grab the spotlight, it's the depth players like Theodore who provide the necessary support. This was evident when Mitch Marner previously rescued Canada against the Czech Republic, showcasing the importance of a well-rounded team effort.
Friday's game highlighted Canada's need for contributions beyond their top stars, especially against a resilient Finnish defense. Despite a slow start and relentless pressure on Saros, Canada found their savior in Theodore, an Original Misfit who rose to the occasion.
Canada's journey through the tournament has been marked by dominance, outscoring opponents 20-3 in the first three games. However, the recent challenges have emphasized the importance of depth, as seen against Finland.
This depth could be the key to securing a gold medal, proving that a balanced lineup is essential for success. As Matthew Tkachuk once noted, relying solely on top-heavy talent might leave you as a runner-up, but Canada's depth gives them a fighting chance at gold.